News 13:00

BULLETIN 28 September 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions highlights the NPA’s strengthened capacity
# Astro-Tourism strategy to boost tourism in the Northern Cape
# And, Rugby: Kolisi confident as Springboks eye redemption in final Rugby Championship

# Acting NPA head, Rodney de Kock, has announced enhanced prosecutor-guided investigations. Speaking at News24’s On The Record dialogue, de Kock said that the NPA’s Investigating Directorate Against Corruption is being bolstered by private-sector cooperation. De Kock also cited the extradition of Michael Lomas as a success. He emphasised partnerships, with the Financial Intelligence Centre handling 500 cases and achieving 60 convictions:

# Old Mutual faces a 15.9-million-rand fine after the South African Reserve Bank’s Prudential Authority found lapses in complying with money-laundering laws. The 2020 inspection revealed failures in client address verification and reporting suspicious transactions. Although Old Mutual accepted the fine, it emphasised that there was no evidence of being a money-laundering conduit. Remedial actions are currently underway.

# Tourist operators in the Northern Cape are eager to leverage South Africa’s newly approved Astro-Tourism strategy, launched in Carnarvon. The 64 satellite initiative aims to develop the world’s most powerful radio telescope and enhance tourism by showcasing the region’s pristine night skies. Minister Blade Nzimande anticipates economic growth through increased tourist interest, benefiting local communities and fostering rural development:

# Rugby: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is confident of victory against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium today. This will be the final Rugby Championship match. Argentina must win by over seven-points and score three additional tries to claim their first championship. The kickoff promises intense rugby action following a narrow 29-28 loss last weekend. Kolisi insists the team is well-prepared and more clinical:

And, two returning Springboks will do duty for the Bulls in their United Rugby Championship match against Edinburgh at Loftus. Winger Canan Moodie and hooker Johan Grobbelaar, together with Stormers lock Ben-Jason Dixson, were released from the national squad before this afternoon’s Rugby Championship clash with Argentina in Mbombela. Bulls director of rugby Jake White included Moodie in the starting team and Grobbelaar on the bench, with Akker van der Merwe captaining the hosts. Kick-off is at three this afternoon.

Stay tuned for more news………….