News 07:00

BULLETIN 2 November 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Shamila Batohi plans to review the decision to drop corruption charges against Zizi Kodwa
# The Public Servants Association raises alarm over death threats against Mpumalanga labour inspectors
# And, rugby: An England prop says it will still be a landmark achievement to beat All Blacks

# National Prosecuting Authority head Shamila Batohi will review the decision to drop corruption charges against ex- sport minister Zizi Kodwa and co-accused Jehan Mackay. The review follows a Hawks request to revisit the ruling by South Gauteng director of public prosecution, Andrew Chauke. According to NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga, the review will follow constitutional guidelines. Kodwa, accused of accepting 1.6-million-rand in bribes from 2015 to 2016, had charges withdrawn in court on Friday.

# The Public Servants Association says it’s deeply concerned about death threats made against labour inspectors in Mpumalanga. These threats come as inspectors work to enforce compliance with labour laws in the province. The PSA states these inspectors face dangerous conditions while fulfilling their responsibilities. The association’s Flip van der Walt calls for immediate action to ensure the safety of these vital workers, who are essential for upholding labour standards and protecting workers’ rights:

# US job growth slowed drastically in October, hit temporarily by hurricanes and labour strikes, in a final major economic snapshot before the election, with cost-of-living worries dominating voter concerns. The world’s biggest economy added only 12-thousand jobs last month, far below expectations and down from a revised 223-thousand in September. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1-percent. The unemployment data will be scrutinised by the teams of both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Employment numbers would have been higher if not for devastating hurricanes and worker strikes.

# Rugby: England prop Ellis Genge says defeating New Zealand today will still rank as a landmark achievement despite the All Blacks’ recent struggles. New Zealand lost three of their six games in this year’s southern hemisphere Rugby Championship after being edged out by a point by arch-rivals South Africa in the 2023 World Cup final. England have beaten the All Blacks just eight times in 45 previous encounters stretching back to 1905. Victory today will be their first home win over the All Blacks in 12 years.

# And, the City of Tshwane Emergency Services urges residents to prepare for a heat wave from tomorrow, to Monday. Forecasts show temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. Spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni has advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities, wear light clothing, and keep an eye on vulnerable people and animals:

Stay tuned for more news………….