News 08:00

BULLETIN 12 October 8 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SARS confirms Lucky Montana offered it 5.4-million-rand to settle his 55.1-million-rand tax bill
# Donald Trump’s doctor says he remains in exceptional health
# And in rugby, there were mixed results for South African franchises in the weekend’s URC matches

# The South African Revenue Service has confirmed that former PRASA CEO, Lucky Montana in August this year offered 5.4-million-rand as a compromise offer to settle his 55.1-million-rand tax bill. This was revealed by SARS spokesperson, Siphithi Sibeko, who told a special media briefing yesterday that a prerequisite in terms of the Tax Administration Act for SARS to consider a compromise offer, is that the tax debt may not be disputed. He says Montana’s claims that the revenue service doctored fake court judgments to justify his tax bill, are false:

# Higher Education and Training minister, Buti Manamela says his department is working closely with police, the Eastern Cape government, and the University of Fort Hare’s security teams to restore calm and protect students and staff. Manamela briefed the media on the situation at Fort Hare following devastating arson attacks during student protests. The minister says what has happened at Fort Hare is not protest, it is criminal:

# The DA in Tshwane says the ongoing power outages are affecting businesses in Rosslyn. The party says while the ANC government in Tshwane is preaching the importance of economic growth, they are failing in delivering the basic services that is needed to create an environment that fosters economic growth. The DA’s Themba Fosi says in the two weeks since the DA’s visit to Rosslyn the industrial park suffered nearly 60 hours of power failures, which is almost the equivalent of stage 3 load-shedding:

# The American president Donald Trump was found to be in “exceptional health” in a medical evaluation at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday. Trump’s physician Sean Barbabella said in a memo released by the White House that Trump exhibits strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance. According to the memo Trump also received preventive health screenings and immunisations, including annual flu and updated COVID-19 booster vaccinations, in preparation for his upcoming international travel.

And finally some rugby news:

# While the Stormers remained unbeaten in the United Rugby Championships over the weekend after thrashing the Welsh team Scarlets by 34-0, the other South African teams were not so fortunate. Last night the Bulls were beaten 28 -7 by a feisty Ulster team in Belfast, and the Sharks went down to Leinster by 31-5. The Lions were beaten by Benetton in Italy by 41 -15. After the weekend’s matches the Stormers are top of the log with 14 points while the Bulls have moved down to 6th.

# And, Springbok flyhalf Manie Libbok has officially signed off from the Stormers, confirming his move to the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan’s Rugby League One. Libbok, who expressed gratitude in a social media farewell over the weekend, was instrumental to the Stormers’ recent success. The 28-year-old playmaker, renowned for his attacking flair and accurate boot, famously guided the Cape Town franchise to the inaugural Vodacom URC title in the 2021-22 season. He now begins a new chapter abroad.

Stay tuned for more news………….