News 08:00

BULLETIN 3 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The MK Party says the Madlanga Commission delays cost taxpayers over a million-rand daily
# The Minerals Council says negotiations with the US will affect the sustainability of jobs
# And nearly 42-thousand people in Gaza have obtained life-changing injuries

# Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has hit back at former Madlanga Commission evidence leader Advocate Terry Motau, saying he should explain his real reasons for quitting instead of pointing fingers. Motau has suggested that budgetary issues and his fears of budgetary shortfalls influenced his decision to resign from the commission. The commission has been allocated 147-million-rand. The department’s spokesperson, Terrence Manase, says budgetary matters relating to the commission have been properly managed and communicated:

Meanwhile, the MK Party has lashed out at the Madlanga commission of inquiry, calling it a political tool designed to shield the government from accountability. The party argues the commission is wasting taxpayers’ money, costing over one-million-rand a day while failing to deliver real outcomes. The Constitutional Court is expected to hand down judgement on the commission’s validity today. MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela says proper accountability should come from Parliament, not costly commissions:

# Minerals Council South Africa says in the short term to medium term, the South African economy’s ability to retain and sustain jobs will depend on trade negotiations with the US. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, mining added two-thousand second-quarter jobs, with formal mining employment as of June 30 this year reaching the 468-thousand mark compared with 466-thousand at the end of March. The council says in the long term, there is a need for policymakers in the country to address the structural constraints, including a predictable and investible operating environment.

# The World Health Organisation has warned that nearly 42-thousand people in Gaza are living with life-changing injuries from the ongoing conflict, including more than ten-thousand children. This is due to the health system collapsing under relentless strain as the war continues. WHO’s doctor Rik Peeperkorn says over five-thousand people have faced amputation and other severe injuries to arms, legs, and the spinal cord. He adds that they need more countries to accept patients:

# Cricket: Bangladesh recorded their second-ever win at a Women’s World Cup, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening match in Colombo. Shorna Akter claimed career-best figures of three wickets for just five runs as Pakistan were bowled out for 129 in 38.3 overs. In reply, Rubya Haider Jhilik scored an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls as Bangladesh cruised to victory with 113 balls to spare. The result means Pakistan has only won one of their last 22 World Cup matches.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-30-cents and the euro at 20-rand-28-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-25-cents and Bitcoin trades at 120-thousand-305-dollars. Gold sells at three-thousand-840-dollars-65-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 64-dollars-32-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….