News 18:00

BULLETIN 31 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is sworn in as Nelson Mandela Bay’s new mayor
# The alleged mastermind of the Lusikisiki murders will represent himself in court
# And cricket: A maiden national call-up for a Western Province allrounder

# The ANC’s Babalwa Lobishe is now mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, succeeding National Alliance president Gary van Niekerk, who stepped down to take on the deputy role. Both leaders resigned to facilitate the leadership swap, positioning the ANC to lead the metro. Van Niekerk dismissed coalition conflict rumors. Lobishe emphasised the need to ensure stability and resident-focused governance:

# The alleged mastermind in the Lusikisiki mass murders in the Eastern Cape, Mzukisi Ndamase, told the local Magistrate’s Court he would represent himself, refusing Legal Aid assistance. Ndamase, who is currently serving a life sentence, was arrested in Ebongweni Maximum Correctional Centre yesterday, where he allegedly orchestrated the murders of 18 people. The case was postponed to 29 November for further investigation. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Luxolo Tyali says they have a strong case against Ndamase:

# A report by the European Geosciences Union has warned that reaching net zero in the next few decades will not bring an immediate end to global warming. Global greenhouse gas emissions hit record highs in 2023, at the same time Earth experienced its hottest year. Countries that have signed up to the Paris Climate Agreement aim to reach net zero by 2050. The report shows delaying net-zero by five years will result in a higher global average surface temperature, and reduced sea ice extent for many centuries.

# Cricket: Western Province allrounder Mihlali Mpongwana received his maiden national call-up when white-ball coach Rob Walter announced his 16-man group for next month’s home series of four T20s against India. He was one of the top wicket-takers in this year’s T20 Challenge. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is rested, while Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen return after completing their structured conditioning blocks. The first of the T20s take place at Kingsmead in Durban next Friday, followed by encounters in Gqeberha, Centurion and the Wanderers.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-66-cents and the euro at 19-rand-17-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-79-cents and Bitcoin trades at 71-thousand-233-dollars-37-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-753-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 73-dollars-26-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Barbie has unveiled its first-ever Diwali-themed doll in South Africa, created in collaboration with acclaimed Indian designer Anita Dongre. Today is Diwali, the festival of lights. Homes, businesses and public spaces are lit up with diyas, or oil lamps made from clay, and fireworks displays abound. Dressed in Dongre’s signature Moonlight Bloom ensemble, the Barbie Diwali doll combines a modern aesthetic with traditional Indian design elements. The doll is available at select retailers across South Africa.

Stay tuned for more news………….