News 07:00

BULLETIN 9 November 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Business leaders call for immediate action to stabilise the Maputo corridor amid unrest
# Severe thunderstorms are expected across KZN this weekend
# And, rugby: The Boks and the Scots conclude a weekend packed with Test action

# The Southern Africa Association of Freight Forwarders warns that ongoing conflict in Mozambique is severely disrupting cross-border trade routes, especially the Maputo corridor. The association reports infrastructure damage and temporary border closures are disrupting logistics, slowing down critical supply chains that serve South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other regional markets. The association’s Barbara Mommen urged the Southern African Development Community to step up as a mediator to restore stability:

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch says at least 30 people have been killed in Mozambique in almost three weeks of crackdowns on protests over a disputed presidential election. The toll did not include violence recorded on Thursday when police and soldiers dispersed thousands of demonstrators in the capital Maputo. The southern African nation has been rocked by violence since the Frelimo party, which has been in power for almost 50 years, won an October 9 election with more than 70-percent of the votes.

More news from the country is that the Mozambican conglomerate, RGS, is moving to block Tongaat Hulett’s approved business rescue plan, arguing it’s illegal and asserting a superior bid. RGS has challenged the transparency of the Vision Consortium’s asset sale approach, labeling it a private liquidation. RGS, which previously issued a false funding letter, blames the error on junior staff. According to News24, RGS insists it can provide substantial funding and awaits a court hearing on 28 November to seek plan reassessment.

# Severe thunderstorms are expected across KwaZulu-Natal this weekend, with heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds. The South African Weather Service has issued a level two warning for today, followed by a level four warning tomorrow. Areas like eThekwini, Ladysmith, Hluhluwe, and Newcastle are most at risk, as the storms could cause flooding and infrastructure damage. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila says disaster management teams are monitoring the situation closely: 

# And, rugby: The Springboks and Scotland will conclude a weekend packed with Test rugby in Edinburgh tomorrow night. Today, England and Australia will do battle at Twickenham in London, and then Italy and Argentina will take to the field in Udine. France and Japan will face off at the Stade de France in Paris later tonight. Tomorrow’s first encounter is between Wales and Fiji at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The Boks and the Scots will take to Murrayfield just after six.

Stay tuned for more news………….