News 11:00

BULLETIN 27 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Transport minister Barbara Creecy says efforts are underway to improve the ports and Transnet
# COSATU applauds Discovery’s minimum wage increase
# And, cricket: Pakistan clinch Test series by 2-1 against England  

# Transport minister Barbara Creecy says work is underway to boost South Africa’s port efficiency and enhance Transnet’s revenue. Speaking at the ANC NEC media briefing, she revealed that a war room meets daily to address operational challenges. Creecy stressed the importance of increasing Transnet’s capacity. She also noted progress in improving rail volumes and port performance to meet growing demands:

She reiterated that Transnet says is working toward opening its rail network for third-party access. Transnet’s operating models are set to be finalised by early 2025. However, a tender for a rolling stock leasing partnership was canceled due to non-compliance. Creecy says the plan is to reissue it by this December:

# The Congress of South African Trade Unions has praised Discovery for raising its minimum wage to 16-thousand-60-rand per month. This follows similar moves by Investec, Sanlam, and Old Mutual to address wage disparities. COSATU views these efforts as steps toward reducing income inequality. The union hopes more companies will follow suit, especially with new laws requiring businesses to disclose wage gaps. COSATU emphasises that paying living wages is crucial to combating poverty and driving inclusive growth.

# Nineteen people died and six others were injured when a bus crashed on a highway in Mexico’s central state of Zacatecas yesterday. Local authorities say the accident occurred in the early morning hours when the bus carrying the victims collided with the back of a tractor-trailer carrying corn, which had come loose. Rescue efforts continued during the day to recover some of the bodies that had fallen into a ravine. The bus was headed for Ciudad Juarez, a border city in the state of Chihuahua.

# And, cricket: Pakistan won their third and final Test against England with an emphatic victory on day three, by nine wickets in Rawalpindi. England collapsed from 66 for three to 112 all out, setting the host a target of just 36.  Pakistan spinner Noman Ali took six for 42 and compatriot Sajid Khan four for 69. It was England’s lowest ever total in Pakistan.

Stay tuned for more news………….