insert_link World Katie Britt defends State of the Union rebuttal Alabama Senator Katie Britt has defended her telling of a story about a woman who was the victim of human trafficking. Britt provided the account during the Republican Party's rebuttal to President Biden's State of the Union address where she attacked the Democrats for their border policies. Her speech has been widely mocked by comedians who suggest she was overly dramatic. U.S. correspondent William Denselow reports. todayMarch 12, 2024 17
insert_link South Africa SA’s Department of Basic Education Dismisses Claims of Bill Rejection as Delay Tactic The South African Department of Basic Education refutes claims by the DA that the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill has been rejected, deeming it a desperate attempt to hinder essential transformation in the sector. The DA asserted that Gauteng parents rejected the bill during public hearings, citing concerns about the implications of the Bela Bill. Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga dismisses these claims, emphasizing that the views expressed at hearings are […] todayMarch 12, 2024 10
insert_link South Africa SA’s Electoral Commission Responds to DA’s Appeal for Foreign Assistance in Election Observations The South African Independent Electoral Commission acknowledges the Democratic Alliance's letter to the United States, European Union, and other countries seeking resources for independent domestic observers ahead of the 29 May elections. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo states that while the commission believes in the importance of election observation, the DA's direct appeal to foreign executives is not in alignment with the typical process of international observation. Mamabolo highlights the unique […] todayMarch 12, 2024 19
insert_link Namibia Advanced Chemical Weapons Assistance and Protection Course Begins in Capital In the capital, a six-day advanced course on Assistance and Protection against Chemical Weapons for Anglophone States Parties commenced on Monday. Hosted by the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade and conducted in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the course is part of the ongoing Anglophone Training Cycle initiated in 2023. Industrialisation and Trade Minister Lucia Iipumbu addressed the participants, highlighting the training's objective to enhance […] todayMarch 12, 2024 5
insert_link South Africa SA Electoral Commission Takes Action Against Leaked ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party Candidate Lists The South African Independent Electoral Commission has initiated proceedings against the official suspected of leaking candidate lists belonging to the ANC and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party. The individual has been formally requested to provide reasons why their employment contract should not be terminated. The leaked lists surfaced on social media over the weekend, with an internal investigation pointing to the data breach originating from system-generated reports within the commission. IEC […] todayMarch 12, 2024 18
insert_link World Antonio Guterres says the “bombings and bloodshed” in Gaza must end United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has appealed for an end to the fighting in Gaza, as millions of muslims around the world began the month of Ramadan. Speaking to reporters in New York, Guterres says as Ramadan begins – the killing, bombing and bloodshed continue in Gaza. Jody Jacobs has more from the United Nations. todayMarch 12, 2024 27
insert_link World Biden’s budget: Higher taxes on the rich, childcare and education for the poor U.S. President Josef Biden has released a new budget proposal for 2025 that includes tax increases for the highest earners and big corporations, as well as social spending assistance on housing and education. It also pushes for the 100 billion U.S. dollars he requested last year for Israel and Ukraine aid while also strengthening border security. Caroline Malone reports from Washington. todayMarch 12, 2024 3
insert_link South Africa ANC Content with Electoral Commission’s Explanation on Candidate List Glitch with Investigation Underway The African National Congress expresses satisfaction with the Independent Electoral Commission's clarification regarding a glitch in the release of its candidates' list for the upcoming elections. The leaked lists also include the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The IEC is actively investigating the unauthorized release of the candidate lists and has committed to identifying those responsible. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula assured the media that the IEC has communicated that it was […] todayMarch 12, 2024 12
insert_link Business / Economics EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Unpacking the National Budget: Insights from Independent Business and Economic Researcher Josef Sheehama As we delve into the recent national budget with the insights of independent business and economic researcher, Josef Sheehama. In a recent interview, Sheehama shared his perspective on the budget allocation, emphasizing both positives and concerns regarding the distribution of funds. Youth Allocation Highlights Positives, but Agriculture Faces Shortcomings The budget, as described by Sheehama, has some commendable aspects, particularly the allocation of 45% to youth initiatives. This is […] todayMarch 12, 2024 13