News 06:00

BULLETIN 22 October 6 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Special Investigating Unit will probe The New Age breakfast briefings
# President Ramaphosa is participating in the BRICS Summit
# And FlySafair is unaffected by the Boeing 737 control system issue

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the Special Investigating Unit the go-ahead to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration, linked to The New Age newspaper’s business breakfast briefings hosted by the SABC. The briefings featured interviews with ministers and top executives from state institutions. The State Capture Commission found that the now-defunct newspaper was a conduit of state capture for the Gupta family. The SIU says the probe will include any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by state officials or employees at TNA Media as far back as 2011.

# Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has urged greater emphasis on early childhood education, stressing that a strong foundation phase can reduce dropout rates. Gwarube highlighted the need for sustainable solutions to improve the education system and ensure all learners have access to quality education. She affirmed to the SABC the implementation of policies to tackle foundation-stage educational challenges:

# Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero says fraud charges against former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda justify the ANC’s step-aside rule. Gwamanda, now a mayoral committee member for Community Safety, was arrested for allegedly running a fraudulent funeral scheme in 2012. Morero insists the ANC policy should apply, despite Gwamanda belonging to a different party. Meanwhile, the DA demands an investigation into all agreements signed by Gwamanda during his tenure.

# President Ramaphosa is participating in the 16th annual BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia from today until Thursday. The summit is under the theme, Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security. The presidency says South Africa’s participation in the BRICS formation is to enhance the future growth and development of South Africa through its membership. Ramaphosa says as a formation, BRICS has an important role in the world:

# Rugby: All Black centre David Havili says they will be wary of the Eddie Jones factor when they take on Japan in Yokohama on Saturday. The former Wallaby coach relocated eastwards after his disastrous tenure in Australia, who failed to reach the World Cup knock-out stage for the first time in history last year. Havili says they will look out for the Brave Blossoms’ flair and Jones’s innovative coaching. After this weekend, New Zealand go to Europe for Tests against England, Ireland, France and Italy.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-60-cents and the euro at 19-rand-5-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-86-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-470-dollar-7-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-722-dollars-14-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-5-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South Africa’s FlySafair confirmed its fleet is unaffected by a Boeing 737 control system issue. The US aviation agency warned 40 airlines, including those operating Boeing 737 NG and 737 MAX planes, of improperly assembled parts causing rudder control issues. FlySafair’s spokesperson, Kirby Jackson, said the planes were reviewed, and no problems were found. This comes amid global scrutiny following safety concerns with Boeing 737 models.

Stay tuned for more news………….