News 08:00

BULLETIN 11 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# At least 18 are feared dead after an explosion at a US military explosives plant in Tennessee
# President Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa’s funeral
# And soccer, Bafana’s World Cup hopes dims after a goalless draw against Zimbabwe

# At least 18 people are missing and feared dead following an explosion at a munitions factory in rural Tennessee on Friday that obliterated the building and was felt for miles around. The explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems about 100 kilometres west of Nashville caused multiple fatalities, but as of late last night officials had yet to determine a death toll. Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis told the media the scene was one of the most devastating situations that he has been on in his career, and that it would take time to determine the cause.

# President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy in honour of the late Ambassador Nathi Mthethwa in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday. The late Ambassador to France will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2. He served as South Africa’s Head of Mission in Paris before passing away in the French capital  last week, at the age of 58. A police investigation into the cause of death is still under way.

# Namibia’s headline inflation climbed to 3.5-percent in September from 3.2-percent in August, mainly due to rising transport costs. The Namibia Statistics Agency says vehicle prices rose sharply, ending months of deflation in the sector. Food and housing costs also contributed to inflationary pressure. FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti noted that transport dynamics continue to shape inflation trends, prompting revised year-end forecasts of 3.5-percent:

# The City of Cape Town is urging motorists to renew their vehicle licence discs early to avoid long queues during November and December. The city’s mayoral committee member for Finance, Siseko Mbandezi, says residents can easily book online appointments to save time. He also confirmed the introduction of a drive-through licence renewal facility in Brackenfell, allowing motorists to renew their discs from their cars in under five minutes:

# Soccer: Bafana Bafana’s hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a blow as they were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in their penultimate qualifying match in Durban last night. The result leaves Bafana second in Group C on 15 points, two behind leaders Benin, who claimed a 1-0 win away to Rwanda in their match that was played at the same time. South Africa now need a miracle on the final day, hoping Nigeria beat Benin. Bafana’s last World Cup qualifier will be against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.

# And finally, the American rapper Travis Scott’s concert at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg tonight marks one of South Africa’s biggest international music events of the year. Scheduled to begin at 8:30 pm and end at roughly 11:00 PM, the show is part of his global Circus Maximus Tour. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department will enforce full road closures around the stadium from 11:00 am. The JMPD has strongly encouraged the use of Park and Ride services. Secure, undercover parking with return shuttles will operate from key shopping destinations.

Stay tuned for more news………….