News 17:00

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC urges voters to register before Friday’s proclamation deadline
# A study warns antibiotic resistance is spreading through water systems
# And: Iran says no talks are underway with America after president Trump calls off attacks

# South Africans are being urged to register or update their voting details before voter registration closes on Friday, which is also proclamation day. The Electoral Commission’s CEO Sy Mamabolo told the media voters must be registered in the voting district where they live to cast their ballot in the 4 November local government elections. Mamabolo encouraged eligible voters to use the online and WhatsApp platforms before the deadline:

# Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa is focused on building a reliable electricity system capable of meeting growing demand. Ramokgopa is leading a delegation to China to strengthen cooperation on energy investment and infrastructure. The visit aims to attract investment into electricity generation, grid expansion and renewable energy. He says the focus is on moving beyond planning to implementation, while deepening strategic partnerships to improve energy security:

# A new study has found that antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes are persisting in South Africa’s water systems despite wastewater treatment. Researchers say treated wastewater can still contain genetic material carrying resistance to critical antibiotics, allowing it to spread through rivers and potentially re-enter communities. The study calls for improved monitoring, advanced wastewater treatment technologies and stronger collaboration between health and water authorities. Researchers also urge the public to dispose of medicines responsibly and practise safe water use to reduce the risk.

# Iran has denied US president Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are underway. Trump said talks would begin after he called off planned military strikes, saying he preferred a deal over conflict. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry insists no meetings are scheduled and no negotiations are taking place. The only discussions involve Oman on managing the Strait of Hormuz. The conflicting statements come amid months of rising tensions, repeated US military threats, and Iranian retaliation. Oil prices fell after Trump again opted against military action.

# Tennis: The DC Open men’s final between American Taylor Fritz and Spain’s Rafael Jodar will now take place tonight because of rain in Washington. The match will start no earlier than 7pm South African time, following the completion of the women’s final between American Jessica Pegula and Alexandra Eala of the Philippines. Third-seeded Fritz is chasing his first ATP title of the season, while 19-year-old Jodar is looking for his second after winning in Marrakech. Victory will take Jodar to a career-high world ranking of twelfth.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-49-cents against the rand and the euro at 19-rand-1-cent. One British pound costs 22-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 62-thousand-620-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-47-dollars-73-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 86-dollars-89-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….