News 09:00

BULLETIN 19 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The DA questions the handling of an oxygen tender
# The ANC Youth League says the registration of spaza shops has been a catastrophe
# And ministers from South Africa and Mozambique pledge action to prevent food and energy insecurity

# The DA has expressed concern at the developments surrounding the alleged irregularities in the over 800-million-rand tender, to install oxygen plants at health facilities across South Africa. It was reported that two of the companies involved were not approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority. Parliament’s portfolio committee on Public Works and Infrastructure chairperson, Carol Phiri, says the allegations surrounding the tender lack substance and material evidence. The DA’s, Edwin Bath, says the Hawks are however actively investigating the matter:

# Solidarity says there is no legal route to immediately implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act in its entirety, as the necessary mechanisms are not in place. The grace period for political parties and stakeholders to propose solutions to sections four and five, which deal with language policy and admissions, has ended. Solidarity says president Cyril Ramaphosa can announce that the Act will be implemented in full once norms, standards, and policies have been developed. It adds that this is the only legal way to resolve the dispute. 

# The ANC Youth League in Gauteng says while the intention behind spaza shop registration is commendable, the execution has been an administrative catastrophe, characterised by corruption and inefficiencies. Government has extended the registration deadline for spaza shops and other food-handling outlets to the 28th of February next year. The youth league says of particular concern are the incidents of South African citizens registering businesses on behalf of undocumented foreign nationals. It says this exposes the glaring economic inequalities and lawlessness that thrive in this sector.

# Ministers from South Africa and Mozambique have pledged to take urgent action to prevent food and energy insecurity caused by disruptions at the Lebombo border in Mpumalanga. During a joint meeting, International Relations and Cooperation minister Ronald Lamola and Mozambican Interior minister, Pascoal Ronda acknowledged the negative impact on trade and the free movement of goods. Speaking via an interpreter, Ronda said their goal is to ensure smooth trade and protect the economies of both nations:

# Motorsport: Formula One team Red Bull and Sergio Perez have agreed to part ways after four years together. Earlier this year, the Mexican had signed a new deal until the end of 2026. However, the 34-year-old has endured a hugely-troubled 2024 campaign, finishing eighth in the drivers’ championship, 285 points behind world champion teammate Max Verstappen. Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, told Sky Sports that it’s been a tough year for Perez:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-27-cents and the euro at 18-rand-97-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-99-cents and Bitcoin trades at 101-thousand-244-dollars-3-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-609-dollars-32-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-88-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….