News 17:00

BULLETIN 2 December 5 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Tshwane’s mayor announces a historic agreement to repay its 6.67-billion-rand Eskom debt
# SANParks enforces gate quotas for day visitors to the Kruger National Park
# And tennis: Juan Martin del Potro ends his professional career with an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic

# The City of Tshwane has reached a landmark agreement with Eskom to settle its 6.67-billion-rand debt. Mayor Nasiphi Moya announced a five-year repayment plan, starting with 400-million-rand this month. The city has also committed to paying its current bills on time to prevent more debt. During a news conference, Moya thanked Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa for helping with the negotiations:

# The Automobile Association warns motorists to expect mixed fuel price changes on Wednesday. While the price of 93-octane petrol may decrease by seven-cents, 95-octane will likely increase by three-cents per litre. Diesel and illuminating paraffin prices are also expected to rise. The association’s spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela, says these changes, alongside adjustments to industry margins, could push fuel prices higher:

# SANParks has announced gate quotas for day visitors to the Kruger National Park during the festive season. Visitors are urged to pre-book online or via SANParks Reservations to secure their slots. Time slots include 5:30 to 8AM, 8 to 10, and after 10. SANParks says pre-booking fees apply, and conservation fees are mandatory. Entry is denied to vehicles without license plates and visitors are reminded to follow park rules for a safe and enjoyable experience.

# Tennis: Thirty-six-year-old Argentinian Juan Martin del Porto retired after a promising professional career curtailed by several injuries. He won the US Open in 2009 and reached his best world ranking of third in 2018, but cracked his knee the next year. Del Potro played his final tournament in 2022 and ended his career with an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in Argentina which the local hero won 6-4, 7-5. He then laid his trademark bandana on the middle of the net.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-17-cents and the euro at 19-rand-10-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-3-cents and Bitcoin trades at 95-thousand-699-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-642-dollars-34-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-54-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Airports Company South Africa is launching its 2024 Christmas Lights activation today, creating a festive atmosphere across all nine ACSA airports. This year’s theme, Christmas under the Sun, celebrates South Africa’s vibrant culture and landscapes. The activation, which includes the official lighting ceremony at OR Tambo International, aims to enhance the airport experience with festive activities, boosting both the holiday spirit and ACSA’s retail partners.

Stay tuned for more news………….