News 07:00

BULLETIN 15 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Deputy president Mashatile is on a working visit to Turkey
# Soccer: Bafana Bafana are heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
# And, South Africa is ranked among the world’s top five luxury travel destinations

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile is on a working visit to Turkey, where he will co-chair the inaugural Bi-National Commission between South Africa and Turkey in Ankara today. The purpose of the commission is to serve as a structured platform for enhancing and coordinating political, economic, and social cooperation between the two countries. Mashatile will then travel to Istanbul for economic diplomacy engagements, including addressing the 5th biennial Turkey-Africa Business and Economic Forum on Thursday. South Africa is Turkey’s largest trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

# Trade, Industry and Competition deputy minister Zuko Godlimpi says the US imposition of a 30-percent tariff threatens about 30-thousand South African jobs and decades of trade partnerships. Speaking at the Export Symposium and Expo, Godlimpi said this is a wake-up call for South Africa to rethink its trade strategy, diversify markets, and build resilience, while realising the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He highlighted the country’s strong industries and urged inclusive growth that empowers women, youth, and small businesses.

# Suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has told the Ad Hoc Committee that allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi are rooted in a police succession battle, not political killing investigations. Sibiya says the controversy aims to block his potential rise to National Commissioner following public speculation about his interest in the role. He further dismissed claims about missing dockets, calling them a non-issue tied to old, inactive cases:

# The DA says the suspension of Gauteng Department for Health and Wellness head, Lesiba Arnold Malotana, on full pay is not enough, as he should be fired immediately. He was part of a Special Investigating Unit probe related to two contracts, in which he allegedly shared more than ten-million-rand in bribes with two other officials. The DA’s Madeleine Hicklin says for years, Malotana has received high-level protection from premier Panyaza Lesufi despite his name being linked to numerous scandals:

# Soccer: South Africa has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada, following a commanding 3-0 victory against Rwanda at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Goals from Thalente Mbatha, man of the match Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa secured top spot for Bafana Bafana in Group C and automatic qualification to the global showpiece. This is the first time South Africa has qualified for the World Cup since 2002. Coach Hugo Broos says this achievement feels wonderful:

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-34-cents and the euro at 20-rand-15-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-13-cents and Bitcoin trades at 112-thousand-531-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-179-dollars-79-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 61-dollars-99-cents a barrel.

# And finally: South Africa has been ranked among the world’s top five luxury travel destinations in the inaugural Roxstar Luxury Travel Trends Report 2025. Top of the list is the USA, followed by the United Arab Emirates, the Maldives, South Africa, and France. Roxstar Luxury Travel founder, Roxy Robinson, says Cape Town combines vibrant urban culture with some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery, while the safari lodges in the north provide a complete escape. She says a few destinations offer such a compelling mix.

Stay tuned for more news………….