News 14:00

BULLETIN 29 September 2 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Three syndicates are linked to a two-billion-rand fraud operation at the Tembisa Hospital
# Thabo Mbeki welcomes the revelations at the Madlanga commission
# And soccer: Amajita kicks off the FIFA Under-20 World Cup campaign against France

# The Special Investigating Unit says over two-billion-rand meant for Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, was stolen by three criminal syndicates led by Hangwani Morgan Maumela and Vusi “Cat” Matlala; Rudolf Mazibuko; and Syndicate X. At least 15 officials are implicated, and luxury properties and cars linked to the syndicates are being tracked for recovery. SIU head Andy Mothibi told the media 116 disciplinary cases and four corruption cases have been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority:

# Former president Thabo Mbeki has welcomed KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s courage in exposing corruption within the criminal justice system. Mkhwanazi’s allegations of political interference in the justice system is now under probe at the Madlanga commission of inquiry. Speaking in Durban, Mbeki told SABC News the ANC has been infiltrated by individuals seeking power for personal gain, and the commission offers a chance to expose the rot:

# Eskom has confirmed that Unit 6 at the Kusile power station in Mpumalanga has officially entered commercial operation, marking the successful completion of Eskom’s build programme. Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says this milestone is a key component of the generation recovery plan and ends the construction of South Africa’s two supercritical coal-fired power stations, Kusile, and Medupi in Limpopo. She says with Unit 6 now online, Kusile and Medupi can deliver a combined nine-thousand-600-megawatts when operating at full capacity:

# Soccer: South Africa’s Amajita begins its FIFA Under-20 World Cup journey in Chile today, facing France in the opening Group E clash at Estadio El Teniente. Entering the tournament as African champions for the first time, coach Raymond Mdaka says his side is determined to compete despite limited preparation. Amajita, in its fifth World Cup appearance, will also face the USA and debutants New Caledonia. Their best finish was the round of 16 in 2009. Kick-off is at 10pm.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-28-cents and the euro at 20-rand-25-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-20-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-100-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-816-dollars-55-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 68-dollars-20-cents a barrel.

# And finally: Three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will perform the Super Bowl’s 60th halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in February. This marks the first time that the Puerto Rican musician has graced the Super Bowl stage. Bad Bunny says what he is feeling goes beyond himself, adding that this is for his people, culture, and history. He joins a coveted list of artists who have gotten the opportunity to headline the NFL’s biggest night, including Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen.

Stay tuned for more news………….