News 07:00

BULLETIN 21 October 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The ANC criticises the DA’s push to scrap BEE
# Members of Parliament’s ad hoc committee are set to question minister Mchunu today
# And, Donald Trump threatens to eradicate Hamas if they don’t obey the ceasefire agreement

# The ANC says the broad-based black economic empowerment policy will not be scrapped. This comes as the DA is planning to introduce an Economic Inclusion for All Bill to replace BEE legislation. The party says the bill aims to create a procurement system that encourages genuine economic empowerment by offering incentives for tangible developmental outcomes. ANC spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, says the idea that the DA foresees a future South Africa without transformation laws must be challenged:

# Police minister Senzo Mchunu, who is currently on special leave, will face questions from members of Parliament’s ad hoc committee today. The committee is investigating criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system. The minister testified before the committee last week, where he stated that his move to issue a directive for the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team to be disbanded was carefully considered and not driven by nefarious motives. Former Police minister Bheki Cele will be the next witness to appear before the committee.

# Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged matric learners to uphold honesty and integrity as the National Senior Certificate exams begin today. Makaneta commended Basic Education minister Siviwe Gwarube for leading the pledge that promotes ethical conduct in schools. He encouraged learners to stay focused and confident, allowing their results to reflect their hard work and dedication:

# WaterCAN activist Ferrial Adam says water tankers should remain a short-term solution as large parts of Gauteng face water scarcity, failing infrastructure, and inflated tanker costs. Speaking to SABC News, Adam criticised mismanagement, citing millions spent with little improvement. She warned of water mafia and urged municipalities to be held accountable. She emphasised that civil society must prevent long-term dependence on tankers ahead of the 2026 local government election:

# US president Donald Trump has warned Hamas it will be destroyed unless it sticks to the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. This comes after Israel carried out a series of deadly airstrikes across Gaza on Sunday, after it accused the militant group of carrying out an attack that killed two IDF soldiers. The Israeli strikes killed at least 44 people in several parts of Gaza. Trump says Hamas must behave or face severe repercussions:

# Rugby: Ireland wing Mack Hansen has been ruled out of next month’s Test against New Zealand in Chicago after aggravating a foot injury. The British and Irish Lions player came off towards the end of Connacht’s 28-27 defeat by the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship on Friday. Uncapped centre Tom Farrell and Leinster’s Jimmy O’Brien have been added to the squad, with Munster pair Edwin Edogbo and Brian Gleeson also ruled out. Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw will continue to be assessed and will travel to the United States.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 17-rand-20-cents and the euro at 20-rand-4-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-6-cents and Bitcoin trades at 110-thousand-289-dollars. Gold sells at four-thousand-350-dollars-65-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 60-dollars-43-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….