News 16:00

BULLETIN 17 September 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa urges the Presidency staff to prioritise service to South Africans
# The Agribusiness confidence index rises after a 15-year low
# And Rugby: The Springboks are expecting a big fight in Argentina

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has encouraged Presidency staff to take pride in serving the nation and put South Africans first. The remarks were made during the first Long Service Awards hosted by the Presidency, celebrating the dedication of long-serving staff. He also emphasised the need for improved service delivery and swift implementation of policies:

# The Agribusiness Confidence Index rebounded to 48 in the third quarter of 2024, recovering from a 15-year low in the second quarter. The rise reflects eased political uncertainties and a shift back to agricultural concerns. Despite this, it remains below the neutral 50-point mark, with challenges like drought, infrastructure issues and disease, persisting. Improvements were noted in turnover and capital investments, while export sentiment fell. Agbiz’s Wandile Sihlobo suggests that while optimism exists, long-term growth depends on resolving infrastructure and export challenges.

# Former Cape Town mayoral committee member for Human Settlements, Malusi Booi and four co-accused have been granted bail of 250-thousand-rand each. One co-accused received 150-thousand-rand bail while five others received 25-thousand-rand bail at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. They face charges of money laundering, racketeering, and fraud in a case involving housing tender fraud of over one-billion-rand. At their next court appearance next month, construction company owner Nicole Johnson and her husband, crime boss, Ralph Stanfield are expected to be joined to the case.

# Rugby: The Springboks are eager to seize the moment and clinch the Rugby Championship title in Argentina on Saturday, but they are wary of a fired-up home side that is also still in contention. The world champions lead the table by eight points from second-placed Argentina and victory in Santiago will ensure a first title since 2019. Los Pumas have already beaten New Zealand and Australia this year. Loose forward Kwagga Smith says the Springboks are fully focused on the fight ahead:

# Financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-62-cents and the euro at 19-rand-64-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-30-cents and Bitcoin trades at 59-thousand-198-dollars-47-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-580-dollars-11-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-96-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, is encouraging residents to participate in the annual Western Cape Big Walk. The event set to be held in Rondebosch next month, aims to promote active lifestyles and highlight the importance of mental wellbeing. The department’s spokesperson, Tania Colyn, says participants can choose between a five or a ten-kilometre walk:

Stay tuned for more news………….