News 08:00

BULLETIN 25 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile convenes the second clearing house mechanism|
# Organised crime experts warn extortion is damaging the South African economy
# And tennis: Novak Djokovic may not be available for the rest of the season

# Deputy president Paulus Mashatile has convened the second meeting of the Government of National Unity Clearing House Mechanism, a platform established by president Cyril Ramaphosa to resolve policy disagreements and any disputes within the ten-member government of national unity. Mashatile’s spokesperson, Keith Khoza says it was agreed that the Secretariat should consolidate the views and enrich the Terms of Reference and that further deliberations must continue concerning the BELA Act:

# The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime reports that extortion is spreading rapidly across South Africa, affecting nearly every economic sector. Experts blame the growth on delayed law enforcement action, allowing practices like construction extortion to thrive. The organisation’s Jenni Irish-Qhobosheane highlighted that early interventions could have prevented the issue while mistrust in police complicates progress. She cautioned that extortion has already led to business closures and job losses, especially in the construction sector.

# The Gauteng legislature’s portfolio committee on Health and Wellness has praised healthcare workers for their dedication in providing cancer care despite facing severe resource shortages. During an in-depth assessment of cancer treatment facilities, the committee stressed the need for more staff, better infrastructure, and resources to meet the increasing demand. The committee’s chairperson, Ezra Letsoalo acknowledged the ongoing challenges but commended healthcare workers for their tireless efforts under difficult conditions:  

# The Los Angeles County district attorney, George Gascón, has recommended that Erik and Lyle Menendez should be resentenced by a judge and released on parole.  The brothers were convicted of murdering their parents more than three decades ago. They are currently serving life without the possibility of parole in California. Gascón said new evidence merited a review of their life sentences. During the 1990 trial, prosecutors painted the brothers as rich kids who murdered for money. But their defence attorneys argued the brothers acted out of self-defence after years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse.

# Tennis: Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Paris Masters, a move that could potentially signal the end of his roller-coaster season. The 37-year-old Djokovic’s 2024 season has only yielded an Olympic gold medal in Paris in August. For the first time since 2017, he will end the season without a Grand Slam title. Djokovic is still in contention to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month. He is currently sixth in the race for the eight-man field for the showpiece but could be overtaken by several players.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-67-cents and the euro at 19-rand-13-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-92-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-81-dollars-26-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-725-dollars-69-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 74-dollars-53-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….