News 14:00

BULLETIN 20 October 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# A bomb threat triggers a security response at King Phalo Airport in the Eastern Cape
# Minister Godongwana is expected to outline an improved fiscal outlook in the mid-term budget
# And cricket: Jansen tears through Australia’s batting order on the fourth morning in Gqeberha

# Eastern Cape police have activated a multi-disciplinary response team following a bomb threat involving an aircraft at King Phalo Airport in KuGompo City. Spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana says an anonymous caller alleged there was a bomb on board. All 184 passengers have safely disembarked, while the aircraft is being held under security protocols. The response includes bomb disposal experts, sniffer dogs and airport security. Investigations into the origin of the threat are continuing.

# Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to announce an improved fiscal outlook when delivering his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament this afternoon. Higher tax revenue, driven partly by strong mining profits, has given Treasury more room to manoeuvre. Economists expect Godongwana to focus on stabilising government debt, controlling spending and possibly introducing a formal fiscal anchor. Pressure is also mounting for relief from soaring fuel prices and living costs, although weak economic growth limits the scope for additional spending.

Meanwhile, Western Cape premier Alan Winde and Finance MEC Deidré Baartman are calling on Godongwana to introduce decisive measures to ease the rising cost of living. Winde says rising electricity and fuel costs are putting increasing pressure on households and businesses. He warns mounting financial pressures are also placing a strain on frontline services and community safety:

Moving abroad:

# Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to come to the negotiating table immediately to work toward a fast and lasting peace deal with Russia. Kyiv and its European partners had developed proposals aimed at advancing peace efforts, including a potential trilateral meeting involving the leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and the US. They also include prisoner exchanges and a maritime truce. Zelensky reiterates no discussion of Ukraine’s future without Kyiv’s participation can be legitimate:

# Cricket: South Africa had a very productive fourth morning in the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha when fast bowler Marco Jansen took four wickets. The visitors resumed their first innings on three for one after Kagiso Rabada removed Nic Maddison yesterday. That happened after captain Temba Bavuma steered South Africa to 425 for nine before declaring. This morning, Jansen took the wickets of Travis Head, Scott Boland, Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw, and Australia was in tatters on 69 for six at lunch. They were later bowled out for 99.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-42-cents and the euro at 18-rand-43-cents. One British pound costs 21-rand-99-cents and Bitcoin trades at 83-thousand-183-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-115-dollars-59-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 112-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….