News 09:00

BULLETIN 27 December 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# AZAPO calls upon SADC to intervene in the unrest in Mozambique
# The National Christian Forum says there is no hope for ordinary citizens under the government of national unity
# And Soccer: Manchester City pays the price for Haaland’s miss in the Everton draw

# The Azanian People’s Organisation is deeply concerned about the volatile situation in Mozambique and calls upon the fifteen members of the Southern African Development Community to intervene and help curb the violence. Violent protests flared up in Mozambique following the pronouncement on Monday by that country’s highest court on the disputed elections results. Spokesperson, Jabu Rakwena, says SADC just wrapped up a mission against insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region:

# South African National Christian Forum says under president Cyril Ramaphosa presidency, the triple challenge of poverty, inequality, and unemployment has intensified, exacerbating the plight of communities nationwide. Forum leader Marothi Mashashane says the harsh reality persists with many facing insurmountable hurdles. He says so many vulnerable people did not even receive their 370-rand grant this month:

# The MK Party’s Youth League has called on young people to rise with urgency, reject complacency, and resist distractions. Spokesperson Nkateko Mkhabela says in the organisation’s New Year’s message youth representation in decision-making must become essential. Mkhabela says 2025 represents a new chapter of resistance against neo-liberal policies. She calls for unity and collective energy to create a South Africa reflecting the aspirations of its people.

# The head of the World Health Organisation and other UN staff were at Yemen’s international airport in Sanaa on Thursday during an Israeli air strike. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he and staff were about to board a plane when the airport came under aerial bombardment. According to Houthi-run media reports the strikes also hit power stations and ports. At least three people were killed with more than a dozen injured. The rebels described the attacks as “barbaric” after Israel claimed responsibility for the strikes.

# Soccer: Erling Haaland had a second-half penalty saved as Manchester City’s astonishing slump continued with a one-all draw against lowly Everton at the Etihad Stadium. Bernardo Silva put City in front early but Iliman Ndiaye equalised for Everton 22 minutes later. Although City won the last four Premier League titles, they were successful just once in their last 13 games in all competitions. City boss Pep Guardiola conceded ahead of the game that his side are at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 15 years.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-82-cents and the euro at 19-rand-59-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-57-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-7-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-632-dollars-15-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-81-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….