Newsflash – Boks win Laureus Sports Team of the Year award

# The Springbok rugby team won the Laureaus World Team award at the annual prize giving ceremony that was held in the German capital of Berlin.



News 18:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 6 pm

You are listening to ………..………. The time is………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In this bulletin…

# Xander Bylsma found guilty of the murder of two Stella High pupils

# FW de Klerk Foundation withdraws apartheid statement

# And, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortjé included in T20 squad

# The North West High Court in Mmabatho has found Xander Bylsma guilty of the murder of two Stella High pupils. He killed his ex-girlfriend, Sharnelle Hough, and her best friend, Marna Engelbrecht, at the school’s hostel premises in May 2018. The court heard that Bylsma had sent multiple threatening texts to Hough and Engelbrecht shortly before they were murdered. A sentencing date has not been confirmed.

# The FW de Klerk Foundation has withdrawn and apologised for its recent statement that apartheid was not a crime against humanity. It agrees with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation that this is not the time to quibble about the degrees of the unacceptability of apartheid. It was totally unacceptable. The Foundation also agrees with the International Criminal Court’s provision that apartheid was a crime against humanity.

# Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says private scholar transport in the province needs a complete overhaul. Two schoolgirls and a biker were killed after a motorbike crashed into a taxi transporting pupils near Olifantsfontein, Johannesburg, this morning. Lesufi says the taxi was transporting 19 pupils at the time of the crash:

# The Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has allocated 143-million-rand for drought relief in Moutse, near Groblersdal, in Limpopo. The funds will be used to drill new boreholes and refurbish existing ones in the area, among other interventions. The department says the funds will be administered by Lepelle Northern Water, as the implementing agent, to address the long-standing water challenges in the Sekhukhune District Municipality.

# Cricket: Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortjé have been included in South Africa’s 16-man squad to take on Australia in a three-match Twenty20 series. Batter Temba Bavuma is in the squad, despite injury fears after he hurt himself in yesterday’s third and final T20 against England. Uncapped batter Pite van Biljon retains his place in the team. The first T20 will be played in Johannesburg on Friday.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-99 cents and the euro at 16 rand-26 cents. One British pound costs 19 rands-51 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 581 dollars-68 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-27 cents a barrel.

# And finally: It’s Random Act of Kindness Day. The day originated in New Zealand and presents an opportunity to show kindness to others without expecting anything in return. The founder and managing director of Mikateko Media, Ingrid Jones says she decided to spoil staff.

Play sound: ENG IngridJonesRandomActOfKindness

Social activist and chairperson of the District Six Working Committee Shahied Ajam says they are making a difference in townships today:

Play sound: ENG ShahiedAjamRandomActsOfKindness

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at…..



Newsflash: Xander Bylsma found guilty of double murder

# The North West High Court has found 19-year-old Xander Bylsma guilty of the murder of two Stella High pupils.



News 17:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 5 pm

You are listening to ………..………. The time is………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In this bulletin…

# FW de Klerk Foundation withdraws apartheid statement

# MEC Lesufi says private scholar transport needs a complete overhaul

# And, one random act of kindness can make a big difference

# The FW de Klerk Foundation has withdrawn and apologised for its recent statement that apartheid was not a crime against humanity. It agrees with the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation that this is not the time to quibble about the degrees of the unacceptability of apartheid. It was totally unacceptable. The Foundation also agrees with the International Criminal Court’s provision that apartheid was a crime against humanity.

# Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says private scholar transport in the province needs a complete overhaul. Two schoolgirls and a biker were killed after a motorbike crashed into a taxi transporting pupils near Olifantsfontein, Johannesburg, this morning. Lesufi says the taxi was transporting 19 pupils at the time of the crash:

# A couple from Mokopane, Limpopo, appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court today in connection with the death of a four-year-old girl who was beaten to death with a cellphone yesterday morning. The girl’s 26-year-old mother and her 28-year-old boyfriend were charged for the murder of the four-year-old girl and daughter of the female accused. Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says according to police reports the victim was assaulted after she climbed on top of the boyfriend to play. It is alleged he became agitated and took a cellphone cable and charger and assaulted the child in the presence of her mother, who did nothing to stop the attack, thereby making herself complicit in the act.

Play sound: ENG-MotlafelaMojapeloCellphoneMurder

# The DA has announced Randall Williams as its mayoral candidate to take over from Stevens Mokgalapa at the end of this month. Mokgalapa’s resignation followed a preliminary internal probe into a recording of conversations and alleged sexual relations between him and former transport mayoral committee member Sheila Senkubuge. The DA’s federal council chairperson Helen Zille describes Williams as an excellent candidate who stands ready to continue the DA-led coalition programme of progress and delivery for all.

# Hockey: South Africa has been chosen to host the Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, North West, next year. The event will be held in Africa for the first time. The women’s edition will feature 16 teams. Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia and England have qualified while South Africa will feature as the host. India will stage the men’s edition late next year, with the venue and dates to be announced soon.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-98 cents and the euro at 16 rand-24 cents. One British pound costs 19 rand-51 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 581 dollars-47 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-17 cents a barrel.

# And finally: It’s Random Act of Kindness Day. The day originated in New Zealand and presents an opportunity to show kindness to others without expecting anything in return. The founder and managing director of Mikateko Media, Ingrid Jones says she decided to spoil staff.

Play sound: ENG IngridJonesRandomActOfKindness

Social activist and chairperson of the District Six Working Committee Shahied Ajam says they are making a difference in townships today:

Play sound: ENG ShahiedAjamRandomActsOfKindness

 

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at…..



News 16:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 4 pm

You are listening to ………..………. The time is………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In this bulletin…

# Randall Williams is the DA’s candidate for Tshwane mayor

# The blanket ban on auctions of animals has been lifted

# And, SA to host the Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup

# The DA has announced Randall Williams as its mayoral candidate to take over from Stevens Mokgalapa at the end of this month. Mokgalapa’s resignation followed a preliminary internal probe into a recording of conversations and alleged sexual relations between him and former transport mayoral committee member Sheila Senkubuge. The DA’s federal council chairperson Helen Zille describes Williams as an excellent candidate who stands ready to continue the DA-led coalition programme of progress and delivery for all.

# The minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has lifted the blanket ban on animals or livestock gathering. This was put in place following an outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth disease in Limpopo three months ago. In total, 18 farms were identified where animals tested positive for FMD, and most of the affected properties are commercial cattle farms, including a number of feedlots. Didiza says auctions across the country will now resume, but under a set of stringent conditions:

Play sound: ENG DidizaOnFMD

# The Western Cape High Court has granted an interim order to the City of Cape Town to enforce by-laws against foreign nationals living around the Central Methodist Church in the CBD within seven days. The city had applied for permission to have more than 300 refugees and asylum seekers, who have been camping at the church for four months to be removed. Judge Daniel Thulare says the city is within its rights to enforce the rule of law.

# Anglo American Platinum CEO Chris Griffith is stepping down to pursue other career opportunities. He has been with the company for over 30 years. Griffith says they have made tremendous progress at Amplats on many fronts, from safety improvements to successfully completing the significant restructuring and repositioning of the portfolio of assets, which continue to lead the industry. He will continue to serve the company until the 16 of April.

# Hockey: South Africa has been chosen to host the Women’s Junior World Cup in Potchefstroom, North West, next year. The event will be held in Africa for the first time. The women’s edition will feature 16 teams. Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, and England have qualified while South Africa will feature as the host. India will stage the men’s edition late next year, with the venue and dates to be announced soon.

# Rugby: SA Rugby will be hosting 53 of the country’s most talented Under-18 players in Stellenbosch for a four-day elite player development camp starting on Thursday. The main objective of the camp is to assess the players’ physical and technical abilities and to guide them with the goal of preparing them to advance through the structures in the future. This is the first of three EPD camps that will be hosted this year.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-92 cents and the euro at 16 rand-17 cents. One British pound costs 19 rand-41 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 581 dollars-45 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-17 cents a barrel.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at…..



News 15:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 3 pm

You are listening to ………..………. The time is………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In this bulletin…

# The blanket ban on auctions of animals has been lifted

# The City of Cape Town granted an interim order against refugees

# And, David Mabuza lauds South Sudan for resolving state issue

# The minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, has lifted the blanket ban on animals or livestock gathering. This was put in place following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Limpopo three months ago. In total, 18 farms were identified where animals tested positive for FMD, and most of the affected properties are commercial cattle farms, including a number of feedlots. Didiza says auctions across the country will now resume, but under a set of stringent conditions:

Play sound: ENG DidizaOnFMD

# The Western Cape High Court has granted an interim order to the City of Cape Town to enforce by-laws against foreign nationals living around the Central Methodist Church in the CBD within seven days. The city applied for permission to have more than 300 refugees and asylum seekers, who have been camping at the church for four months, removed. Judge Daniel Thulare says the city is within its rights to enforce the rule of law.

# The Public Protector’s office has strongly denied reports that Busisiwe Mkhwebane has made a court bid to be allowed to narrow the terms of reference of the state capture commission. This after the commission’s chairperson, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, made an application to have its lifespan extended from March to December. Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe says the public protector has warned that should the commission run beyond this year, it would cost more than one-billion-rand:

Play sound: ENG SegalweOnStateCapture

# The Congress of the People has condemned in the strongest possible terms the statement made by former president FW de Klerk on apartheid. The former president and his foundation deny that apartheid was a crime against humanity despite a declaration by the United Nations in 1973. Cope’s Dennis Bloem says De Klerk must be reminded that it was his government that sponsored black on black violence and vigilante hit squads:

Play sound: ENG BloemOnDeKlerk

# Deputy President David Mabuza has lauded the decision by South Sudan President Salva Kiir to return the country to ten states. According to the BBC, former South Sudanese rebel chief, Riek Machar has long demanded that Kiir reverse his decision to increase the number of states to 32. Mabuza, in his capacity as South Africa’s special envoy to South Sudan, says the decision is progressive and in the best interest of peace and unity in the country.

# Rugby: SA Rugby will be hosting 53 of the country’s most talented Under-18 players in Stellenbosch for a four-day elite player development camp starting on Thursday. The main objective of the camp is to assess the players’ physical and technical abilities and to guide them with the goal of preparing them to advance through the structures in the future. This is the first of three EPD camps that will be hosted this year.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-90 cents and the euro at 16 rand-15 cents. One British pound costs 19 rands-39 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 580 dollars-83 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-23 cents a barrel.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at…..



News 13:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 1 pm

You are listening to ………..………. The time is………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In this bulletin…

# Ramaphosa says young people must participate in the economy in a meaningful way

# State capture inquiry could cost more money if it runs beyond 2020

# And, Faf du Plessis steps down as Proteas Test and T20 captain

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says for the country to prosper and thrive, young people must participate in the economy in a meaningful way. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa says he is launching the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention. It’s a strategic national vision and plan which sets out priority actions to address youth unemployment. He adds that stakeholders must ensure that the burden of unemployment does not continue to weigh down on young people.

# The Public Protector’s office has strongly denied reports that Busisiwe Mkhwebane has made a court bid to be allowed to narrow the terms of reference of the state capture commission. This after the commission’s chairperson, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, made an application to have its lifespan extended from March to December. Mkhwebane’s spokesperson Oupa Segalwe says the public protector has warned that should the commission run beyond this year, it would cost more than one-billion-rand:

Play sound: ENG SegalweOnStateCapture

# Eskom says extending lifestyle audits to include lower-level staff is imperative to root out corruption at the power utility. During the first phase of lifestyle audits, which began in 2018, Eskom investigated 365 of its most senior employees. After initial investigations by a contracted party, Eskom referred 44 cases of suspected corruption to the Special Investigations Unit for further probes. Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says they are taking these lifestyle audits seriously:

Play sound: ENG MantshantshaOnAudits

# The Congress of the People has condemned in the strongest possible terms the statement made by former president FW de Klerk on apartheid. The former president and his foundation deny that apartheid was a crime against humanity despite a declaration by the United Nations in 1973. Cope’s Dennis Bloem says De Klerk must be reminded that it was his government that sponsored black on black violence and vigilante hit squads:

Play sound: ENG BloemOnDeKlerk

# Cricket: Faf du Plessis has stepped down from his role as captain of the Proteas’ Test and Twenty20 teams effective immediately. He will be replaced by Quinton de Kock, who also succeeded the 35-year-old as the Proteas’ one-day international captain last month. Du Plessis says he has strived to lead the team with dignity and authenticity during exhilarating highs and devastating lows. He adds that he remains committed to playing in all three formats of the game for now.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-88 cents and the euro at 16 rand-14 cents. One British pound costs 19 rands-40 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 580 dollars-20 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-28 cents a barrel.

# Finally: A teenage Ugandan actor who made her name in a Disney film has died of a brain tumour. Fifteen-year-old Nikita Pearl Waligwa starred in the 2016 movie The Queen of Katwe about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum. It was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged nine despite not being in school, and went on to compete in international tournaments. The BBC reports that Nikita was first diagnosed with a tumour in 2016 and was given the all-clear the next year, but another was found last year.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at…..



News 1100

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 11 am

You are listening to ……..………. The time ………… I am……….……..….… with the news.

In the bulletin:

# The Public Protector’s repesentative in the Free State asks her to step down

# Eskom says extending lifestyle audits to include lower-level staff is imperative to root out corruption

# And a teenage Disney star dies of a brain tumour

 

# The Public Protector’s representative in the Free State is calling for Busisiwe Mkhwebane to step down from her position as national head. Sphelo Samuel wrote to National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise, asking her to investigate Mkhwebane and her office. He claims she is protecting some high profile politicians and abuses her power. eNCA reports that Samuel promised to submit evidence.

# Eskom says extending lifestyle audits to include lower-level staff is imperative to root out corruption at the power utility. During the first phase of lifestyle audits, which began in 2018, Eskom investigated 365 of its most senior employees. After initial investigations by a contracted party, Eskom referred 44 cases of suspected corruption to the Special Investigations Unit for further probes. Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says they are taking these lifestyle audits seriously:

Play sound: ENG MantshantshaOnAudits

# Eskom stopped Stage 2 loadshedding at nine o’clock last night after emergency generation reserves recovered adequately. The utility warns, however, that the probability of power interruptions remains high for the week. Customers are reminded that loadshedding may be implemented at short notice should generation plants break down or due to an increase in demand.

# The Western Cape Education Department has announced that parents and guardians can from today apply for placement for their children in the province’s public schools next year. Applications close on the 17th of next month. Placements have to be accepted by the fifth of June. The department encourages parents and carers to apply online to their closest school and at least two others.

# Tennis: Former world number one Kim Clijsters will face in-form Spaniard Garbine Muguruza when she makes her comeback after seven years at the Dubai Championships today. The 36-year-old Belgian retired for the second time in 2013 after clinching her eighth Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 2011. Muguruza, also a former world number one, was a finalist in Melbourne last month. Other star players in Dubai are Simona Halep of Romania and Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-88 cent and the euro at 16 rand-13 cents. One British pound costs 19 rand-40 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 581 dollars-80 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-30 cents a barrel.

# And a teenage Ugandan artist who made her name in a Disney film has died of a brain tumour. Fifteen-year-old Nikita Pearl Waligwa starred in the 2016 movie The Queen of Katwe about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum. It was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged nine despite not being in school, and went on to compete in international tournaments. The BBC reports that Nikita was first diagnosed with a tumour in 2016 and was given the all-clear the next year, but another was found last year.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at ………



News 09:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 9 am
You are listening to ……..………. The time ………… I am……….……..….… with the news.
In the bulletin:
# A suspect is to appear in a Southern Cape court after the murder of a librarian
# Applications open for placement in Western Cape schools for next year
# And Harrison Ford confirms that a fifth Indiana Jones film is on its way

# A man is expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ Court for the first time today after he was arrested in connection with the murder of a Great Brak River librarian last week. The body of 22-year-old Claudine Nuys was found behind a crèche in the area after she went missing on her way home from work. The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended in a forest in Jonkersberg after a massive manhunt.

# The Western Cape Education Department has announced that parents and guardians can from today apply for placement for their children in the province’s public schools next year. Applications close on the 17th of next month. Placements have to be accepted by the fifth of June. The department encourages parents and carers to apply online to their closest school and at least two others.

# Eskom stopped Stage 2 loadshedding at nine o’clock last night after emergency generation reserves recovered adequately. The utility warns, however, that the probability of power interruptions remains high for the week. Customers are reminded that loadshedding may be implemented at short notice should generation plants break down or due to an increase in demand.

# Joshua Cheptegei has shattered the world record in the five-kilometres road race at a meeting in Monaco. The Ugandan runner bettered the record set last month by Rhonex Kipruto of Kenya by 27-seconds when he completed the distance in 12-minutes-51-seconds. Twenty-three-year-old Cheptegei is the world champion in the ten-thousand-metres.

# Tennis: Frenchman Gaël Monfils was crowned champion of the Rotterdam Open in the Netherlands after beating Canadian teenager Felix Auger Aliassime in straight sets. The third seed won 6-2, 6-4. This is the first time that the world number nine and defending champion could win back-to-back titles after also claiming the tournament in Montpellier in his home country a week ago.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rand-87 cent and the euro at 16 rand-12 cents. One British pound costs 19 rand-39 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 582 dollars-98 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-28 cents a barrel.

# And Harrison Ford has confirmed that he will soon start filming the fifth instalment of the hugely popular Indiana Jones movies. The 77-year-old American told chat show host Ellen DeGeneres that production could begin in April. The first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, was released in 1981, followed by Temple of Doom three years later, The Last Crusade in ’89 and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at ………

 



News 08:00

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 17 February 8 am
You are listening to ……..………. The time ………… I am……….……..….… with the news.
In the bulletin:
# A suspect is to appear in a Southern Cape court after the murder of a librarian
# Millions of people in Britain could be instructed to self-isolate if they have flu-like symptoms
# And Harrison Ford confirms that a fifth Indiana Jones film is on its way

# A man is expected to appear in the Mossel Bay Magistrates’ Court for the first time today after he was arrested in connection with the murder of a Great Brak River librarian last week. The body of 22-year-old Claudine Nuys was found behind a crèche in the area after she went missing on her way home from work. The 24-year-old suspect was apprehended in a forest in Jonkersberg after a massive manhunt.

# The Gauteng Education Department will soon make public the forensic investigation report into the drowning of Parktown Boys’ High pupil Enock Mpianzi. The department appointed an independent law firm to probe the incident after the 13-year-old drowned at a resort in North West during the school’s Grade 8 orientation camp last month. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says they are studying the report:

Play sound: ENG MabonaOnReport

# Millions of people in Britain could be told to isolate themselves for two weeks if they have flu-like symptoms in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the deadly coronavirus. Reports say the measure could be implemented if the number of cases in the country exceeds 100, when the National Health Service will stop testing for the virus. The NHS says the approach should be changed as soon as there is evidence of sustained community transmission of the virus.

# Cricket: England leaves South Africa on a high after clinching the Twenty20 series against the Proteas 2-1 after winning the final match in Centurion by five wickets. The hosts posted a huge total of 222 for six. Heinrich Claasen contributed a quick-fire 66 off just 33 balls, hitting four sixes and four fours. Openers Temba Bavuma and captain Quinton de Kock scored 49 and 35 respectively. But the visitors surpassed the target with five balls left after Jonny Bairstow hit 64 and Jos Buttler and captain Eoin Morgan both added 57. South Africa now takes on Australia in three T20s and three one-day games.

# Tennis: Frenchman Gaël Monfils was crowned champion of the Rotterdam Open in the Netherlands after beating Canadian teenager Felix Auger Aliassime in straight sets. The third seed won 6-2, 6-4. This is the first time that the world number nine and defending champion could win back-to-back titles after also claiming the tournament in Montpellier in his home country a week ago.

# Financial indicators: The dollar is trading at 14 rands-87 cent and the euro at 16 rands-12 cents. One British pound costs 19 rands-40 cents. Gold is selling at one thousand 583 dollars-13 cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 57 dollars-15 cents a barrel.

# And Harrison Ford has confirmed that he will soon start filming the fifth instalment of the hugely popular Indiana Jones movies. The 77-year-old American told chat show host Ellen DeGeneres that production could begin in April. The first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, was released in 1981, followed by Temple of Doom three years later, The Last Crusade in ’89 and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008.

That is the end of this bulletin, our next newscast will be at ………