News 13:00

BULLETIN 24 December 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Paul Mashatile highlights the unemployment, inequality and economic state in 2024 as a challenge
# Gauteng police rescue a kidnapped Pakistani businessman in Sebokeng
# And tennis: An Australian doubles ace is provisionally suspended for doping

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile says 2024 was a turbulent year for many South Africans as millions remain jobless despite the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter reporting a drop in unemployment. Mashatile says as South Africa remains one of the world’s most unequal societies, government is advancing inclusive economic growth and expanding the social wage package, including free basic services and grants for vulnerable communities:

# Gauteng police have rescued a kidnapped Pakistani businessman in Sebokeng. The victim had been abducted in Lenasia two months ago by three men, and ransom was demanded. Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says extensive investigations led to the victim’s rescue:

# Greenland has reminded Donald Trump the country is not for sale, responding to the US president-elect’s comments about taking control of the island. Trump recently picked a former envoy to Sweden, Ken Howery, as his ambassador to Copenhagen, and commented on the status of Greenland. The territory’s prime minister, Mute Egede, responded by saying Greenland will not lose its long struggle for freedom. Trump also threatened to reassert US control over the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive rates to use the passage.

# Tennis: Australian star player Max Purcell was provisionally suspended for doping after admitting to a breach of regulations. The 26-year-old is a two-time Grand Slam doubles champion, having won Wimbledon together with compatriot Matt Ebden in 2022, and the US Open with American partner Jordan Thompson earlier this year. The suspension means he won’t be able to play in next month’s Australian Open. Tennis Australia says the breach relates to a prohibited method rather than a prohibited substance.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-57-cents and the euro at 19-rand-30-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-27-cents and Bitcoin trades at 93-thousand-875-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-614-dollars-85-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

# And finally: The South African National Christian Forum says as the festive season dawns upon all South Africans, it extends its warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to all Christians celebrating Christmas. Forum president Marothi Mashashane says this special occasion holds profound significance in hearts as South Africans reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He is urging every member of the community to join hands and contribute generously towards easing the suffering of their neighbours:

Stay tuned for more news………….