News 16:00

BULLETIN 8 September 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC tightens integrity checks on mayoral candidates
# Rugby: Erasmus is expecting another epic encounter against the All Blacks
# And the Presidency invites nominations for National Orders

# ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says mayoral candidates underwent integrity checks for fraud, criminality and unethical conduct as the party steps up its renewal efforts. He says candidates with criminal records, adverse findings, or disciplinary matters were removed from the lists. Mbalula says those subject to the ANC’s step-aside rule are excluded. He insists the process enforces the party’s integrity rules on candidates as approved by its National Executive Committee:

# The managing director of BBF Safety Group, Ndlela Mazibuko, says Africa’s mineral wealth presents significant opportunities for economic development, beneficiation, technology and innovation. Speaking to Mining Weekly at the Electra Mining Africa Expo in Johannesburg, Mazibuko says the continent’s population of 1.4-billion creates strong consumer demand. Mazibuko says mining companies are under pressure from rising labour and operating costs. He says people remain at the heart of mining, with workplace safety essential:

# Bus company Putco has announced that 349 contract workers will be made permanent. The company says the move will affect driver conductors, cleaners, workshop staff and shunter drivers. The workers will now qualify for benefits including pension or provident funds and healthcare. Trade union Numsa has welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory against labour casualisation. Putco says the decision was made independently, based on its current level of service, and was not the result of union intervention.

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expecting a massive backlash from the All Blacks in Saturday’s fourth and final Test in Baltimore. He made two changes to the starting line-up – Damian Willemse replaces injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg replaces Cobus Reinach, who drops to the bench. Erasmus believes the Boks must build on their attacking intent, with victory required to seal a 3-1 series triumph:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-3-cents and the euro at 18-rand-61-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 78-thousand-269-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-393-dollars-77-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-50-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Presidency is inviting South Africans to nominate people who have made exceptional contributions to their communities or the nation for National Orders. The awards are the country’s highest honours, recognising excellence in areas including science, culture, sport, community service and bravery. Chancellor of National Orders Phindile Baleni is urging citizens from all backgrounds to nominate deserving individuals. The National Orders are bestowed by the president to recognise outstanding achievement, nation-building, service and contributions to South Africa. Nominations close on Wednesday, 30 September.

Stay tuned for more news………….