News 14:00
BULLETIN 10 September 2 pm
Good afternoon. I am……..
In this bulletin:
# Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s corruption trial is postponed due to her ill health
# A Central Bank study reveals a three-percent inflation target can withstand the economic shock
# And rugby: Etzebeth relishes the opportunity to settle the series against the All Blacks in Baltimore
# The corruption case against former National Assembly speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will resume on Wednesday. Investigating Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame says the case was postponed after her attorney submitted a medical certificate. Mamothame says Mapisa-Nqakula faces 12 counts of corruption and one of money laundering for allegedly soliciting 4.5-million-rand, with 2.1-million-rand allegedly received in cash while serving as Defence minister:
# South Africa’s new three-percent inflation target is proving resilient, despite rising global price pressures. According to the South African Reserve Bank, there’s a 78-percent chance inflation will stay within its two to four-percent tolerance band if major shocks are avoided. The bank says better-anchored inflation expectations are helping cushion the economy. Oil remains the biggest risk, while even multiple shocks give a 62-percent chance of inflation staying within the target range.
# The Motor Industry Staff Association says no amount of alcohol should be considered safe behind the wheel. The union supports Transport minister Barbara Creecy’s proposed legislative changes to the National Road Traffic Act to introduce a zero-percent blood alcohol limit for drivers. MISA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola says the proposed law is still being considered and will need cabinet and Parliament approval before it can be implemented:
Moving abroad:
# President Volodymyr Zelensky says support for Ukraine’s air defences and winter preparation will be the main focus of his visit to Canada. He adds important meetings and agreements were planned for the visit, during which he would meet prime minister Mark Carney. Ukraine’s air-defence problem has become particularly acute as Russia intensifies drone and missile attacks ahead of winter. Recent attacks have hit energy, residential, railway and port infrastructure, while Ukraine’s ability to intercept every incoming weapon is under pressure.
# Rugby: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says Saturday’s fourth and final Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore will be massive as they look to seal the series 3-1. A defeat will lead to a drawn series. Thirty-four-year-old Etzebeth will extend his record as the most-capped Bok when he earns his 146th cap. He says they are relishing the opportunity to clinch the series, but know it will be a tough battle:
# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-8-cents and the euro at 18-rand-71-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-79-cents and Bitcoin trades at 77-thousand-948-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-398-dollars-63-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 103-dollars-70-cents a barrel.
Stay tuned for more news………….