News 12:00

BULLETIN 21 October 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A warning of hotter and drier conditions this summer
# An Australian MP has both her legs amputated following an alleged targeted attack
# And rugby: The Stormers reject JJ Kotzé’s proposed three-week suspension

# The Water Institute of Southern Africa is warning of increased water security risks as South Africa enters the summer rainfall season. The South African Weather Service forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across most of the country between this month and December. The institute’s CEO, Lester Goldman, says skilled professionals are needed to translate climate forecasts into effective water management decisions. He urges municipalities and water utilities to assess resources, identify vulnerable infrastructure and review contingency plans to prepare for possible shortages.

# Union GIWUSA is calling on Finance minister Enoch Godongwana to announce an emergency, state-led jobs plan to address unemployment in today’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. The country’s official unemployment rate rose to 33.6-percent in the second quarter of this year. GIWUSA president Mametlwe Sebei says the plan should include mass public employment programmes, direct state investment in productive sectors, and support for cooperatives and worker-controlled enterprises:

# The South African Police Service has advertised five-thousand-500 entry-level trainee positions for the 2026/27 recruitment intake, offering qualifying applicants an opportunity to enter training. Applicants must be aged 18 to under 35. Spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says this is an opportunity for young, patriotic and service-driven citizens to turn their passion for making a difference into a meaningful career in law enforcement:

Moving abroad:

# Australian member of Parliament, Helen Haines, who was struck twice by a vehicle outside her constituency office in Wangaratta on Monday, has now lost both legs. Her left leg was amputated on Monday and her right leg this morning. The alleged attacker, Brendan Nugent, has been charged with dangerous driving causing serious injury, intentionally causing serious injury, and causing harm to a Commonwealth public official. Haines’ husband, Philm says she remains in critical but stable condition:

# Rugby: The Stormers have rejected a three-week suspension proposed for hooker JJ Kotzé, after receiving a red card against Bristol Bears in the opening round of the Champions Cup. He was sent off for a dangerous tackle on scrumhalf Kieran Marmion while defending the Stormers’ line in their 49-12 victory. A Foul Play Review Committee reviewed the incident and recommended the suspension. The matter will now be considered by a full judicial panel, with a virtual hearing scheduled for today.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-41-cents and the euro at 18-rand-41-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-96-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-78-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-121-dollars-35-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 111-dollars-12-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….