News 08:00

BULLETIN 2 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Oxfam SA finds the country’s richest billionaire owns more than the poorest 70-percent combined
# Minister Pule calls for stronger coordination in the protection of children
# And, Donald Trump warns that the Iran war could cost the Republicans votes

# South Africa’s single richest billionaire owns more wealth than the poorest 70-percent of the population combined. This is according to a new report by Oxfam South Africa. It found that the richest one-percent of citizens held 54.9-percent of the country’s wealth in 2024, while the bottom half of the population now holds negative wealth. Acting Oxfam SA Executive Director Pooven Moodley told SABC that the country does not have an inequality problem because there isn’t enough wealth, but it’s because of who owns that wealth:

# Minister of Social Development Dina Pule has called for united action in the protection of children from violence, abuse and exploitation. She addressed the Children’s Summit on Ending Violence Against Children in White River, Mpumalanga, yesterday. Pule emphasised the importance of elevating children’s voices to ensure that their priorities inform renewed commitments and accountability processes. The minister stated that stronger coordination between government, civil society, communities, and traditional and religious leaders is needed to accelerate prevention and strengthen support for children affected by violence.

# The Police Political Killings Task Team has arrested the mayor, municipal manager and chief financial officer of the Knysna Municipality in the Western Cape. This is in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption relating to a security services contract. Although police have not disclosed the municipality or the names of the officials, the municipality has confirmed the arrests in a statement. National Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the three face charges of corruption and are expected to appear in court on Monday:

# US president Donald Trump has acknowledged that the seven-month-old war with Iran could hurt the Republican Party’s chances in the November midterm elections. He had previously warned that Tehran was holding out on reaching a deal until the elections. Iran recently proposed a seven-day ceasefire and the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while the US issued a counterproposal, which Tehran is now considering. Speaking during an appearance at a Peterbilt factory in Denton, Texas, Trump says they will win the war:

# Rugby: The Sharks are boosted by the return of Springbok players for their United Rugby Championship clash against reigning champions Leinster in Durban tomorrow. Andre Esterhizen will captain the side with Thomas du Toit and Edwill van der Merwe returning to the starting lineup. Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker are on the bench. Meanwhile, the Lions are also boosted by the return of Springboks Morné van den Berg and Quan Horn for their match against Ospreys at Ellis Park tomorrow, while Ethan Adams replaces outside centre Henco van Wyk.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-69-cents and the euro at 18-rand-77-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-4-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 85-thousand-232-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-172-dollars-56-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 106-dollars-3-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….