News 07:00

BULLETIN 31 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The EFF rejects the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement
# AfriForum says Lesufi’s first 100 days have been a failure
# And Britain confirms its first case of a dangerous new mpox strain

# The EFF has rejected the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, saying the government prioritised profits for the racist private sector, over job creation and meaningful economic growth. Finance minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the budget in Parliament yesterday, insisting that the Treasury is determined to maintain a prudent, disciplined approach to ensure sustainable public finances. EFF leader, Julius Malema, says the budget policy statement failed to acknowledge the imminent uprising of unemployment:

Meanwhile, RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has urged financial reform to tackle the national debt and ensure accountability for corruption. Zibi emphasised the need for better funding of the National Prosecuting Authority and the Hawks to expedite prosecutions. He also called for new funding models for key entities. He acknowledged that Operation Vulindlela has brought significant improvements but stressed the importance of continued progress:

# AfriForum says Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi’s first 100 days in office since he was re-elected have been a failure. In July, Lesufi was forced to establish a multi-party executive after the ANC lost its majority in the provincial legislature. The ANC-led government of provincial unity is made up of several parties, including the Patriotic Alliance, RISE Mzansi, and the IFP. AfriForum’s, Ernst van Zyl, says Lesufi’s performance so far indicates deterioration and a complete lack of a workable plan:

# The United Democratic Movement in the Eastern Cape has extended condolences to chief Zanomthetho and his family following the tragic death of Chieftainess Nogcinile Mtirara. The UDM has condemned the fatal shooting in Mqhekezweni village, Eastern Cape as well as the rape incident of five matriculants. The party emphasised the urgent need for justice and safety measures, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to account.

# The UK has reported its first case of a new, more dangerous strain of mpox, linked to the recent outbreak in parts of Africa. The UK Health Security Agency says the individual tested positive for Clade Ib mpox after travelling to one of the affected countries in Africa. He began to feel sick 24 hours after flying home. The World Health Organisation declared mpox a global health emergency in August. The agency says it will study the patient to better understand the new strain of mpox.

# Hockey: South African men’s national hockey coach Cheslyn Gie has resigned. Under his leadership, the team won the inaugural FIH Nations Cup in Potchefstroom and qualified for the Paris Olympics, where they finished ninth. SA Hockey interim CEO Shaune Baaitjies says Gie’s commitment has driven the men’s programme forward, and his impact will be felt for years to come. Baaitjies adds that Gie’s influence has set a new benchmark for the team’s success.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-67-cents and the euro at 19-rand-16-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-88-cents and Bitcoin trades at 72-thousand-182-dollar-70-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-784-dollars-25-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-38-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….