News 16:00

BULLETIN 20 February 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# South Africa calls for accountability in Israel’s 57-year occupation of Palestine
# The unemployment rate increased in the fourth quarter of 2023 
# And Rugby: The veteran Blitzbok Rosko Specman wants to make it count in Canada

# South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Vusimuzi Madonsela, expressed concern over the enduring Israeli occupation of Palestine in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, lasting for more than 50-years. The International Court of Justice in The Hague is hearing South Africa’s and several other countries’ arguments against Israel’s occupation. Madonsela urged the court to address the pressing issue of Israel’s prolonged impunity for widespread rights violations:

# Statistics SA has announced that 22-thousand less people were employed in the fourth quarter of last year. The results of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicate the official unemployment rate increased from 31.9-percent in the third quarter to 32.1-percent. Formal sector employment decreased, while informal sector employment increased. Industries that lost jobs include community and social services, construction, agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. Job losses were recorded in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, North West and the Northern Cape. The largest employment increase was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by Mpumalanga and the Western Cape.

# Postbank will cease cash payment points for social grants at Post Office branches by the end of next month. They are phasing out points which serve fewer than 50 beneficiaries. Recipients can now withdraw via National Payment System channels like ATMs and retailers like Shoprite. The Post Office will still offer non-cash services. Postbank spokesperson Bongani Diako stresses direct engagement with beneficiaries, informing them of the change, assisting in transitional arrangements, and advising on alternative locations for withdrawals.

# Rugby: Veteran Blitzbok playmaker Rosko Specman is back at the Vancouver Sevens, after first playing there in 2016. The South Africans have arrived in Canada and are preparing for their group games against New Zealand, Great Britain and Ireland. Specman made his return to sevens this year, after playing 15-man rugby since 2020. The 34-year-old wants to make it count in Canada:

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-97-cents and the euro at 20-rand-48-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-89-cents and Bitcoin trades at 52-thousand-308-dollars-67-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-27-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 82-dollars-82-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The Joburg Film Festival says acclaimed multiple award winning actor, musician and philanthropist Malik Yoba will attend the event, adding a touch of Hollywood glam. The festival, taking place from the 27th of this month to the third of next month, will feature a diverse range of films from around the world and promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience for attendees. Yoba has an unwavering dedication to nurture and empower young talents in the industry. With this ongoing commitment to build young people, he will host a master class focused on youth development.

Stay tuned for more news………….