News 08:00

BULLETIN 24 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# BOSA advocates for a 50-percent matric pass mark
# The Special Investigation Unit welcomes the arrest of a former Transnet executive
# And the UN warns the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon is spilling over into Syria

# Build One South Africa is advocating for an increase in the grade 12 pass mark from the current 30-percent to a minimum of 50-percent. In response to BOSA’s Parliamentary question, Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed there are no plans to change the pass mark but an advisory council will be formed to consider reforms. BOSA’s Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster argues the low standard is detrimental to the future of South African youth:  

# The Special Investigating Unit has welcomed the arrest and court appearance of former Transnet Group Capital CEO Herbert Msagala. He appeared before the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering charges. He is currently out on 60-thousand-rand bail. Msagala is linked to the awarding of five dodgy contracts to IGS Consulting Engineering in 2015, valued at more than 160-million-rand. The SIU says the prosecution of Msagala is part of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

# Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has welcomed the swift arrest of two suspects linked to the killing of five family members in Bityi last Friday. Gunmen entered the Seti home and killed five people, injuring two children. The suspects aged 22 and 39 were arrested in Msukwini on Tuesday. The provincial government’s spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, says this breakthrough showcases the dedication and expertise of the law enforcement agencies:

# The United Nations is warning that the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon is spilling over into Syria, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Around 425-thousand people have crossed into Syria from Lebanon in recent weeks, fleeing intensified airstrikes and violence. The UN says Israel carried out over 116 airstrikes across Syria since seven October last year, targeting infrastructure and urban centres, claiming that it targeted Hezbollah and Iranian-linked arms routes. It adds that further escalation could unravel fragile ceasefire agreements, making peace efforts even harder.

# Soccer: Erling Haaland scored two goals as Manchester City thrashed Sparta Prague five-nil at the Etihad Stadium, setting a new record for the longest unbeaten run in Champions League history. The win eclipses the previous best unbeaten record of 25 set by Manchester United. Liverpool made it three wins from three as Darwin Nunez netted the winner in a one-nil win over RB Leipzig. A hat-trick from Raphinha saw Barcelona beat Bayern Munich four-one, while Lille defeated Atletico Madrid three-one.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-76-cents and the euro at 19-rand-17-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-97-cents and Bitcoin trades at 67-thousand-317-dollars-5-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-723-dollars-19-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-87-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….