News 18:00

BULLETIN 14 October 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa confirms knowing the Tembisa tenderpreneur Hangwani Maumela
# Health authorities in Gaza say at least six Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire
# And swimming: Ireland’s Shane Ryan is the latest to sign up to compete in the Enhanced Games

# President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed in the National Council of Provinces that he met alleged Tembisa Hospital corruption kingpin Hangwani Maumela outside his Sandhurst home in Johannesburg last year. In his reply to oral questions, Ramaphosa clarified that 47-years ago, he was married to Maumela’s aunt, his father’s sister, and they later divorced. He added he is appalled by the allegations against Maumela and has no contact or dealings with him:

# Evidence leader Adila Hassim told the Madlanga commission that Witness X’s statement reveals businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala circulated confidential records containing identity numbers of high-profile figures. Hassim says the testimony also shows Matlala communicated with businessman Suleiman Kareem about his health services tender, sharing police invoicing screenshots and discussing multimillion-rand payments:

# The South African Independent Power Producer Association will meet with Eskom later this month to discuss concerns that planned renewable projects may bypass existing grid-access rules applied to independent producers. The association has also alerted the Competition Commission of potential market-dominance risks. Chairperson Leoné Human says Eskom must compete on equal terms, warning that allowing preferential treatment could undermine fair access to grid capacity as Eskom expands its renewable energy portfolio.

Moving abroad:

# Health authorities in Gaza say at least six Palestinians were killed in two separate incidents. The Israeli Defence Force earlier said it opened fire after several suspects crossed the line of withdrawal and approached forces in the northern Gaza Strip area. It called on the residents of Gaza to heed the IDF’s instructions and not to approach the forces in the area. Under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have withdrawn but still remain in control of around 53-percent of Gaza.

# Swimming: Irish Olympic athlete Shane Ryan will participate in the controversial Enhanced Games, which are set to debut in Las Vegas in May next year. Positioning itself as a revolutionary alternative to the Olympics, the Enhanced Games will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subjected to drug tests. Ryan says after a decade dedicated to traditional competition on the world’s highest stage, he is excited to dive into this next chapter. He joins British swimmer Ben Proud, Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev and US sprinter Fred Kerley.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-41-cents and the euro at 20-rand-16-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-14-cents and Bitcoin trades at 111-thousand-941-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-128-dollars-53-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-91-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….