News 16:00

BULLETIN 18 September 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Madlanga Commission is cautioned of rising political violence ahead of next year’s local government elections
# The Solidarity Movement embarks on a US diplomacy mission
# And rugby: James O’Connor returns to Australia for two Tests against the All Blacks

# The Madlanga commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system has been cautioned about the risk of rising political violence ahead of next year’s local government elections. KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi presented evidence highlighting ongoing challenges in handling political killing cases, including delays in prosecutions. Mkhwanazi also referred to a letter from the provincial director of Public Prosecutions, Elaine Harrison, who warns the elections could spark political violence:

# The Solidarity Movement has begun an extensive community diplomacy visit to the US. Chairperson Flip Buys says government and the ANC have damaged ties with Washington and can’t be trusted to repair relations alone. The delegation will meet federal and state role players, advocating for the economy and workers. Buys argues poor diplomacy is hurting ordinary South Africans and civil society must help rebuild trust:

# Tax Justice South Africa has warned that the arrest of five SANDF soldiers accused of conspiring to steal illicit cigarettes exposes deep-rooted corruption at South Africa’s borders. The suspects, along with two Zimbabwean nationals, were arrested near the Limpopo River and appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today on charges including corruption and possession of illicit cigarettes. Founder Yusuf Abramjee says when soldiers are accused of hiding contraband in their own camps it indicates that organised crime is already infiltrated in the force.

# Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen says South Africa is driving collaboration with the B20 to finance resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems. B20 serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. Steenhuisen says the B20 Sustainable Food Systems and Agriculture Task Force has built a pragmatic platform for this collaboration. He says too many families are facing food insecurity while producers, especially women, youth, and smallholders, struggle to secure the finance that would allow them to innovate, adapt, and thrive.

# Rugby: Flyhalf James O’Connor’s hope to play for the Wallabies again is still alive after he was picked for the final two Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks. The 35-year-old returned to his new English club, Leicester, on Monday after his first Tests in three years this season. Scrumhalf Nic White, who postponed his retirement after Jake Gordon’s injury, was left out. Prop James Slipper could become only the third player after Welshman Alun Wyn Jones and former All Black Sam Whitelock to reach 150 Tests.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-34-cents and the euro at 20-rand-49-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-62-cents and Bitcoin trades at 117-thousand-328-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-670-dollars-43-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 67-dollars-85-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….