News 12:00

BULLETIN 2 October 12 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# ATM calls for the immediate release of South African activists captured by Israeli forces
# The Solidarity Movement warns the ANC’s continued attacks on the US could lead to more punitive tariffs
# And rugby: Damian de Allende is expecting a tough battle against Argentina

# The African Transformation Movement is urging the South African government to take immediate action to secure the release of Mandla Mandela and other South African activists captured by Israeli forces. The Israeli Navy intercepted Gaza-bound aid vessels that form part of the Global Sumud Flotilla and detained the activists aboard, including Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. ATM’s spokesperson, Zama Ntshona, says the activists’ intentions are rooted in compassion and solidarity with the people of Gaza:

# The Afrika Mayibuye Movement condemns the exploitation of patients and healthcare workers at Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where over two-billion-rand was allegedly stolen by syndicates aided by corrupt health officials. The party calls for urgent criminal prosecutions, full recovery of stolen funds, and accountability for political leaders who allowed the corruption to flourish. Mayibuye spokesperson Sydney Baloyi says hospitals must not be used as a means for corrupt officials to enrich themselves.

# The United Democratic Movement says it has lodged a formal complaint against controversial media figure Ngizwe Mchunu with the South African Human Rights Commission. The 44-year-old is facing criticism after he posted a video of himself online making derogatory remarks after photos of a gay couple getting married in traditional attire went viral. UDM’s Yongama Zigede says instead of advancing unity, Mchunu’s words attempt to drag the country backwards into division and hate:

# 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 that this could result in further punitive tariffs against South Africa. He adds that the country simply cannot afford further damage to the economy.

# 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 play 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-20-cents and the euro at 20-rand-22-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-21-cents and Bitcoin trades at 118-thousand-586-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-869-dollars-80-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 65-dollars-46-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….