News 14:00

BULLETIN 29 September 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Fort Hare’s vice chancellor resigns amid a disciplinary hearing
# American forces leave Iraq, creating an opening for Iran
# And cricket: An injury keeps Buttler out of the tri-series in Pakistan

# The vice-chancellor of the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, Sakhela Buhlungu, has resigned, but the institution’s council says he cannot leave immediately. Buhlungu resigned just before presenting his defence at a disciplinary hearing where he faces charges of gross misconduct, insubordination and bringing the university into disrepute, including unlawfully appointing two executive directors. Council says his contract requires a notice period, and the disciplinary process may continue, stating his resignation does not resolve the allegations.

# The Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission has criticised South Africa’s justice system for its handling of gender-based violence and femicide cases. Speaking amid a week-long national inquiry in Johannesburg, chairperson Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva warned survivors often face secondary victimisation, from experiences at police stations through the criminal justice system during court proceedings. Meanwhile, the Commission for Gender Equality’s Tsietsi Shuping warns DNA backlogs delays justice for victims:

# Union federation COSATU in Gauteng is calling for urgent action against illegal firearms, organised crime and illegal mining-related violence on the West Rand. This comes after 18 people were shot dead at a tavern in Wedela,  Carletonville, on Saturday evening. No arrests have been made yet. COSATU’s provincial chairperson, Amos Monyela, calls for stronger police intelligence and visible policing in vulnerable communities:

Moving abroad:

# The final US forces are leaving Iraq, ending more than two decades of American military involvement in the country. The withdrawal, due to be completed tomorrow, follows an agreement between Washington and Baghdad and ends the US-led coalition’s mission against Islamic State. Iran and its allied groups welcomed the departure, which they regard as a victory. Analysts warn it could give Iran greater influence in Iraq, while the loss of US air defenses could leave the region vulnerable. Iraq must now take greater responsibility for its own security.

# Cricket: Experienced batter and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler will miss England’s one-day tri-series in Pakistan because of injury. He was injured during last week’s second ODI against Sri Lanka at Headingley. Jordan Cox had been named as his replacement. The series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka starts at the 20th of next month, and will be followed by England’s visit to Australia in November. England’s governing body will announce the latest batch of national contracts overs the next few days.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 18-rand-61-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-71-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-106-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-148-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 101-dollars-44-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….