News 11:00

BULLETIN 28 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# President Ramaphosa says government is focused on making the rail network the backbone of public transport
# The ATM is appalled by the rampant corruption in the Police Service
# And Kamala Harris accuses Trump of waging a selfish campaign of vengeance

# President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is now on the right track towards a public transport system that is safer, more efficient and more affordable. In his weekly newsletter, he says a particular area of focus for the government of national unity is the development of rail as the backbone of transport in South Africa. He says work is underway to develop a National Rail Masterplan that will lay out the future of rail in the country. Ramaphosa adds that the Masterplan will cover passenger rail in cities, including rapid rail.

# The African Transformation Movement is appalled by constant revelations of rampant corruption within the South African Police Service. In the 2022/’23 reporting year, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate reported 177 active corruption cases against police officials. ATM’s Zama Ntshona says public trust in the police is at an all-time low, with significant portions of the population expressing little to no confidence in the ability of SAPS to uphold the law impartially:

Meanwhile, Gauteng traffic wardens are intensifying public safety efforts in townships, informal settlements, and central business districts. The wardens are working with law enforcement agencies including the SAPS and Metro Police. Spokesperson Sello Maremane says this initiative aims to address crime effectively. He says the provincial government has also invested in training and equipment, including 624 pistols, drones, and CCTV systems:

# US vice president Kamala Harris has accused former president Donald Trump of waging a selfish campaign of vengeance, while she and her supporters work toward a better future for all Americans. She campaigned in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, ahead of the November 5 presidential elections. Almost 42-million Americans have already voted ahead of polling day. Harris says the elections are an opportunity to turn the page on the fear and the divisiveness that have characterised American politics:

# Rugby: England head coach Steve Borthwick has called up veteran flyhalf George Ford, Alex Coles, and Ted Hill to the 36-player squad ahead of their international opener against New Zealand at Twickenham on Saturday. Ford was required to prove his fitness after suffering a quad injury while playing for Sale. Ollie Chessum has been ruled out of the Test due to a knee injury while Charlie Ewels is currently following return-to-play protocols. The match is the first of four fixtures for England who also play Australia, South Africa, and Japan.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-76-cents and the euro at 19-rand-8-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 68-thousand-331-dollars-80-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-741-dollars-63-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 75-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….