News 06:00

BULLETIN 19 October 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa defends the government of national unity
# AfriForum wants to cross-examine Thabo Mbeki at the TRC inquiry
# And, violent protests spread to Italy, Portugal and Belgium

# ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa says parties within the Government of National Unity with different policies and ideologies have managed to work together for the betterment of South Africa. Last week, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula called for a review of the DA’s role within the GNU, after the parties clashed over the ANC’s Constitutional Court challenge against the Electoral Commission. Speaking to the media while campaigning in Cape Town yesterday, Ramaphosa said citizens have an opportunity to make a difference in the local government elections:

# Former president Thabo Mbeki is expected to testify before the Khampepe Inquiry today and tomorrow. His testimony could shed light on allegations of political interference and why some apartheid-era crimes referred to by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission were never prosecuted. This follows the Constitutional Court’s dismissal of an application to have retired Justice Sisi Khampepe removed as chairperson. The inquiry is investigating delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes.

Meanwhile, AfriForum has asked the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry for permission for advocate Gerrie Nel to cross-examine Mbeki. It relates to allegations of political interference to prevent prosecutions for apartheid-era crimes, including the 1985 landmine attack near Musina that killed Kobie van Eck and her two young children. AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel claims the ANC is responsible for gross human rights violations:

# African Christian Democratic Party councillor Palesa Yates says Ekurhuleni needs urgent governance, financial and service delivery reforms. Yates says the city must maintain cash reserves covering 25 days. Yates calls for infrastructure improvements, including pothole eradication, water infrastructure maintenance, and power failures addressed within 24 to 48 hours. She emphasised Ekurhuleni’s strategic location for industrial and tourism growth, as well as the OR Tambo International Airport’s strategic positioning:

# Violent protests that have engulfed France and Spain in recent weeks have spread to Italy, Portugal and Belgium. At least one-thousand-800 people have been arrested in France as demonstrators have been protesting against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and deteriorating public services. Dozens of designer stores, including Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Versace, were damaged in Paris. In Milan, Italy, rioters clashed with police, looted stores and set property on fire. In Lisbon, Portugal, protesters have been marching against the cost of living crisis, low wages and housing.

# Cricket: Rain ruined the opening day of the second Test between South Africa and Australia at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday. Only 12.2 overs were possible all day, with the Proteas on 20 for two in their first innings. Scott Boland claimed both wickets for the visitors. Captain Temba Bavuma will resume unbeaten on four today, and Marques Ackerman will also bat, having opened on his Proteas debut with five off 32 balls. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-47-cents and the euro at 18-rand-48-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-95-cents and Bitcoin trades at 81-thousand-650-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-176-dollars-22-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 110-dollars-40-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….