News 09:00

BULLETIN 28 January 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa signs the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill into law 
# The DA does not support any further mega bailouts for SOEs 
# Over 40 Putco buses burnt in a suspected arson attack in Mpumalanga

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Preservation and Development of Agricultural Land Bill, which sets out a policy and regulatory framework for the preservation and development of agricultural land. The Presidency says the law seeks to protect and preserve agricultural land and its productive use, to ensure that agricultural land is available and viable for the development of the agricultural sector. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says the legislation also reinforces South Africa’s efforts to ensure that agricultural land supports long-term food production:

# The DA says it is alarmed that the ANC appears to be undermining policymaking in the government of national unity, by insisting that Transnet gets a substantial bailout. The ANC’s economic transformation committee wants Transnet to receive fiscal support in the February budget similar to Eskom’s 254-billion-rand relief package in 2023. The DA’s, Mark Burke, says it is time for the immediate devolution of Transnet’s operational components, as well as bold and far-reaching reforms that bring private sector competition:

# South Africa’s Board of Healthcare Funders is heading to court today to compel the Council for Medical Schemes to allow Low-Cost Benefit Options. These affordable medical aid plans provide essential healthcare services but have faced delays due to government focus on the National Health Insurance scheme. According to a report by Business Tech, the board argues that the Low-Cost Benefit Options can be implemented immediately, benefiting millions of South Africans. However, the council maintains the delays align with long-term NHI goals.

# Over 40 Putco buses were burnt at four depots in Mpumalanga on Monday evening, in what is believed to be a suspected arson attack. Initial reports indicate that an unknown group of assailants ambushed and bound security at the Moloto depot before setting buses alight and opening fire inside the depot. Putco’s spokesperson, Lindokuhle Xulu, says two employees were injured, one was shot in the leg, and another was struck on the head with a chair:

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana has been drawn in Group B alongside record seven-time champions Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Title-holders Ivory Coast will face five-time winners Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique in Group F. Hosts Morocco will take on Comoros in the opening match of the 24-team tournament on December 21st. Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, says they are in a tough group:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-85-cents and the euro at 19-rand-66-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-45-cents and Bitcoin trades at 102-thousand-667-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-740-dollars-52-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 76-dollars-41-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….