News 08:00

BULLETIN 8 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AfriForum urges the members of the government of national unity to oppose Ronald Lamola
# The MK Party says Jacob Zuma is in good health
# And, the death toll from the Cato Ridge taxi crash has risen to ten

# AfriForum says the nine smaller parties in the government of national unity should formally object to International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola’s handling of relations with the US. The organisation’s Ernst van Zyl says Lamola’s recent comments about the US ambassador and his appearance at a Democratic Socialists of America event could further strain relations between Pretoria and Washington:

# The MK Party says leader Jacob Zuma is healthy and in good spirits. This follows reports that he was admitted to hospital on Tuesday, after apparently falling ill. Pietermaritzburg-based publication The Witness reported that an eyewitness had spotted the former president being brought in by ambulance and admitted to hospital. The MK Party says Zuma had attended his routine medical check-up, which he usually does twice a year. The party says he remains committed to his local government election campaigns.

# The death toll from the taxi crash on the MR-385 road in Cato Ridge just outside Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, has risen to ten, while five others have sustained serious injuries. A preliminary report suggests the fully loaded minibus taxi was travelling from Hammarsdale to Cato Ridge yesterday when the driver lost control around a bend and hit a tree. KwaZulu-Natal Transport Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says MEC Siboniso Duma is saddened by this tragedy:

# US president Donald Trump has reiterated his claims that starting the Iran war was necessary to prevent Tehran from destroying cities like Los Angeles or San Diego in a nuclear attack. This is despite the US intelligence agencies stating last year that Iran abandoned its pursuit of nuclear weapons more than two decades ago. Both LA and San Diego house major military installations, including Navy ports and Air Force bases. Speaking in San Antonio, Trump said he will protect America:

# Cricket: The Joburg Super Kings have secured the services of 18-year-old South African all-rounder Jason Rowles for 2.9-million-rand, the most expensive signing of the auction for SA20’s fifth season. The Super Kings also welcome back former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, who was bought for 2.7-million-rand, with West Indies veteran all-rounder Kieron Pollard joining him for 1.5-million-rand. Pretoria Capitals secured Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen for 200-thousand-rand and 500-thousand-rand, respectively. MI Cape Town signed Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder for 2-6-million-rand.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-64-cents and the euro at 18-rand-63-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-98-cents, and Bitcoin trades at 82-thousand-853-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-129-dollars-21-cents a fine ounce, and Brent crude oil is quoted at 105-dollars-40-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….