News 06:00

BULLETIN 29 October 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The IEC says the National Results Operation Centre is fit for purpose ahead of the elections
# Western Cape municipalities are advised to introduce water restrictions by November
# And cricket: Australia take the lead in the decisive third Test against South Africa

# The Electoral Commission has declared its National Results Operation Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, ready and fit for purpose. The centre will serve as the hub where election results will be received, verified, and officially announced. A total of 29.2 million South Africans have registered to vote, while 2.6 million are registered for special votes ahead of next Wednesday’s elections. IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo says the results centre is not mere physical infrastructure, but speaks to the constitutional ethos of an electoral democracy:

# South Africa will not impose a countrywide ban on poultry imports from Brazil following a Newcastle disease outbreak in the state of Santa Catarina. The Department of Agriculture says poultry meat, hatching eggs and day-old chicks can still be imported, provided they meet strict animal health requirements. These include ensuring that farms and facilities have been free of the disease for the required period. The government has asked Brazilian authorities to make sure all poultry products exported to the country meet these rules.

# Statistics South Africa says the number of people experiencing disputes or problems has increased to nearly 28-percent in 2025/2026, up from 12-percent in 2018/2019. Disruptions to water and electricity supplies were the most common complaints, followed by disputes with neighbours. Stats SA’s Boitumelo Mooketsi says the report also shows that awareness of the Constitution has dropped to 76-point-6 percent, while racial discrimination remains the most commonly experienced form of discrimination:

# The Western Cape government urges municipalities to introduce water restrictions ahead of summer as dam levels drop and hotter, drier weather is expected. Municipalities have been advised to bring in level one restrictions by 15 November and level two restrictions by the 1st of December in areas at higher risk. Residents and businesses are urged to save water and fix leaks. Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell says early water-saving measures are aimed at preventing a wider water crisis.

# Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has declared three days of mourning after at least 68 people were killed in a train accident in the Toledo province, south of the capital Madrid, yesterday. A high-speed train collided with a stationary train, leaving about 100 people injured. Transport minister Óscar Puente says a computer failure led to the initial halt of six moving trains, including the two trains that subsequently collided. Sánchez says authorities are investigating the exact cause of the deadly train crash, vowing to address potential failures or negligence with firmness.

# Cricket: Australia reached 330 for four at stumps on day two of the third and final Test in Cape Town, taking a one-run lead over South Africa. The visitors began yesterday after dismissing the Proteas for 329 on Tuesday, with Matt Renshaw and Travis Head adding 58 for the first wicket. Simon Harmer then claimed Head and Marnus Labuschagne’s wickets in his first over, with Marco Jansen also taking two wickets. Australia will look to pile on the runs today, with Josh Inglis unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey on 51.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 16-rand-59-cents and the euro at 18-rand-52-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-12-cents and Bitcoin trades at 81-thousand-221-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-55-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 115-dollars-60-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….