News 11:00

BULLETIN 2 October 11 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Solidarity Movement warns the ANC’s continued attacks on the US could lead to more punitive tariffs
# The Referendum Party welcomes Malema’s conviction in his firearms case
# And rugby: Damian de Allende is expecting a tough battle against Argentina on Saturday

# The Solidarity Movement says there is growing frustration within the US government over South Africa’s lack of political will to reach a trade agreement. Trade, Industry and Competition minister Parks Tau says progress has been made in talks with president Donald Trump’s administration over a trade deal. Solidarity Movement’s chairperson, Flip Buys, says it’s highly reckless of the ANC to actively antagonise the US, warning this could result in further punitive tariffs against South Africa. He adds the country simply cannot afford further damage to the economy.

# The Referendum Party has hailed Julius Malema’s conviction as long-overdue accountability for his threats and violence. The East London Magistrate’s Court found the EFF leader guilty on five charges, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a firearm in a public area. This relates to him discharging a firearm at the party’s fifth birthday celebrations in Mdantsane in 2018. The Referendum Party’s Phil Craig says Malema is not the cause of South Africa’s deeper crisis; he is a symptom:

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the local government indaba gala dinner in Gauteng this evening. The indaba brings together government, business, labour, academia, and civil society to chart a turnaround strategy for municipalities. With poor audit outcomes highlighting governance failures, the gathering aims to restore public confidence through accountability, ethical leadership, and oversight. The event will also feature the Local Government Good Governance Awards.

Moving abroad:

# Convicted Australian murderer Erin Patterson will appeal her guilty verdict for killing three people with toxic mushrooms. The 51-year-old was sentenced to life in prison with a 33-year non-parole period last month. This is after a jury found her guilty of killing three relatives and attempting to kill another by serving them a toxic Beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms in 2023. She has maintained her innocence. Patterson’s lawyers have been given 28 days to finalise the appeal application.

# Rugby: Springbok centre Damian de Allende expects a tough and physical battle against Argentina on Saturday when the Rugby Championship concludes at Twickenham. South Africa recorded a commanding 67-30 victory over the Pumas in Durban last weekend. The Boks top the Championship table, one point clear of New Zealand, who plays Australia in Perth earlier on Saturday. De Allende says both teams will have good support in London, despite it being neutral ground:

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-17-cents and the euro at 20-rand-18-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-18-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-693-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-868-dollars-23-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-30-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….