News 15:00

BULLETIN 29 September 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum and Solidarity propose a fix to the diplomatic row with America
# The search continues for an 85-year-old ostrich farmer swept away by floodwater
# And soccer: Botswana withdraws from the joint 2028 AFCON bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe

# The Solidarity Movement and AfriForum announced proposed answers to five questions from the US government. These aim to resolve the diplomatic dispute and protect 500-thousand jobs linked to US trade and the African Growth and Opportunity Act. They cover race-based laws, rural safety, “Kill the Boer”, property rights and the refugee programme. Spokesperson Arno Roodt says the US has given broad approval in principle, and urges Pretoria to show political will:

# The South African Reserve Bank says the economy’s decline in the second quarter was largely due to weaker production. Mining, manufacturing and trade bore the brunt of higher costs, softer demand and logistical constraints. Mining contracted by three-percent, with production down across seven of 12 mineral groups including platinum group metals, manganese, gold and iron ore. The bank says manufacturing shrank by 1.8-percent, its third consecutive quarterly decline, while agriculture provided some relief.

# Cabinet has condemned the rise in gender-based violence following the brutal murders of thirteen women in Gauteng. Four suspects have been denied bail and remain in custody. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says cabinet is backing a presidential directive for a multidisciplinary police team to quickly hunt down the remaining suspects. She emphasises femicide requires an urgent societal response as the newly-amended laws ensure perpetrators are prosecuted:

# An extensive search is continuing for 85-year-old Oudtshoorn ostrich farmer Saag Jonker, who was swept away in his Toyota Land Cruiser while trying to cross a low-water bridge over the flooded Olifants River on Sunday. Police divers have launched a second search operation, with emergency services, drone operators, a helicopter, farmers and volunteers also involved. A second operation resumed yesterday, focusing on the river downstream from the bridge. The road at the Rooiheuwel crossing has been closed while the search continues.

# Soccer: Botswana has withdrawn from the joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. Its government reportedly refused to provide the required financial guarantee to support the bid and viewed hosting the continental tournament as not among its priorities. South Africa and Zimbabwe submitted the required documents before the September 14 deadline. Botswana had previously expressed interest in hosting next year’s AFCON before it was awarded to the joint bid from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-38-cents and the euro at 18-rand-58-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-68-cents and Bitcoin trades at 84-thousand-13-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-160-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 100-dollars-78-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….