News 18:00
BULLETIN 19 January 6 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# AZAPO calls for the immediate extension of NSFAS to private institutions
# The EFF blames reckless driving and poor road conditions for the fatal accident in Vanderbijlpark
# And, the Franschhoek fire continues to burn as strong wind and steep terrain hamper firefighting efforts
# AZAPO says the higher education admission crisis exposes government failure to provide accessible education for Black students. With over 345-thousand learners qualifying in 2025 but only 235-thousand spaces available, more than 110-thousand are left out. The organisation calls for National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding at private institutions, urgent construction of new universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges; and accountability from the government for neglecting the needs of poor and working-class students.
# The EFF in Gauteng has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic scholar transport accident in Vanderbijlpark, which claimed the lives of at least 13 learners and left several others seriously injured. The party says the crash, involving a head-on collision with a heavy truck, highlights ongoing issues with reckless driving, poor road conditions, and a lack of traffic policing, particularly in Emfuleni. The EFF’s Nkululeko Dunga called on the provincial government to improve scholar transport safety:
# The Cape Winelands District Municipality says a fire above Franschhoek continues to burn, with strong winds, steep terrain, and dense vegetation making firefighting extremely difficult. Fire crews, supported by CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association, will work through the night, with helicopters assisting where conditions allow. The municipality’s Jo-Anne Otto advised residents to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke:
# Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve Parliament on Friday and call a national election for February 8. She is seeking backing for increased spending, tax cuts and a new security strategy to accelerate defense build-up. Takaichi wants the public to judge directly whether they trust her with the management of the nation. The snap vote will mark her first electoral test since becoming the first female premier in October, and will test voter appetite for higher spending amidst rising cost of living being the top concern.
# Cricket: Australia will be without the injured trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David for their three-match T20 series against Pakistan from the 29th. The experienced Mitchell Marsh will captain the team, which also includes Travis Head, Cameron Green and Josh Inglis. Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards, who produced breakout performances in the Big Bash, are the two uncapped players in the 17-player squad. The series will be Australia’s final preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-42-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-2-cents and Bitcoin trades at 92-thousand-818-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-664-dollars-30-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 63-dollars-28-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….