News 14:00

BULLETIN 16 September 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ActionSA leader announces the party’s departure from the Tshwane coalition
# Gauteng Health says progress is being made to ensure healthcare facilities are NHI-ready
# And Commonwealth Games: There is more support for Glasgow’s bid to host in 2026

# ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has announced the party’s decision to exit the Tshwane coalition, citing mismanagement and abuse of public trust. The party is currently exploring new coalition opportunities but will become an opposition party if a suitable partner is not found. According to Mashaba, ActionSA remains committed to independence, non-racialism, and clean governance, rejecting any coalition that condones corruption. The party will provide updates on potential new alliances, maintaining its commitment to clean governance at all levels. 

# The Gauteng Health Department says in preparation for the rollout of the National Health Insurance, it is actively preparing its healthcare facilities to meet the required standards. Currently, 22 out of 36 Community Health Centres inspected are compliant, and 14 of the 37 hospitals inspected have also been certified compliant. The department’s spokesperson, Khutso Rabothata, says NHI will play an important role in improving access to healthcare services:

# The Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed the Joshlin Smith case to 21 October for further investigation. Western Cape NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says new evidence requires review. Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend Jacquin Appollis, and two others face charges of trafficking and kidnapping. Ntabazalila says the case will move to the High Court soon:

# Commonwealth Games: Australia’s multimillion-dollar offer to support Glasgow’s bid to host the games in 2026 has been welcomed by the federation’s president Chris Jenkins. The state of Victoria pulled out of the games last year over cost concerns. The multi-sport event has struggled to find hosts, with Malaysia rejecting an offer to host the 2026 edition and Canada’s Alberta withdrawing from hosting the event in 2030. Commonwealth Games Scotland says the Glasgow event will be scaled down to slash the budget.

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-65-cents and the euro at 19-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-31-cents and Bitcoin trades at 58-thousand-567-dollars-67-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-584-dollars-97-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 71-dollars-86-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Veteran actor Sello Motloung has passed away at the age of 53. His family confirmed his death in a statement. The family said Motloung will forever be remembered as one of South Africa’s legends and will be missed tremendously. Tributes to the renowned actor have flooded social media with industry peers honouring his talent and dedication. He is praised as a legend whose art will inspire generations to come. He is best known for the roles in the television serials such as Backstage, Mamello and Ring of Lies.

Stay tuned for more news………….